ANC: We believe in free speech

2008-07-14 22:18

Johannesburg - The ANC said on Monday it would defend and support the "independence, integrity and credibility" of state institutions and the judiciary, but also believed that free expression on the conduct of public officials contributes to "vibrant debate".

The party's secretary general Gwede Mantashe was recently quoted by the Mail & Guardian as saying the judges of the Constitutional Court were elements of the "counter-revolutionary" forces seeking the destruction of ANC president Jacob Zuma and the party.

The ANC said on its website on Friday that Mantashe had been misquoted and that his comment was not directed at the judges.

The Mail & Guardian responded that it had a tape of the interview.

Public hullaballoo

"People chose not to pay attention to our correction and stick to the "counter-revolution'," said Mantashe at a press briefing on Monday.

"The Zuma judgment is not over, therefore it is dangerous for the Constitutional Court to create this hullaballoo in public."

He said the judges should handle things "better and differently" so that they can't be accused of bias.

In a statement released at the briefing, the ANC said the NEC expressed concern at recent developments with regards to institutions such as the Constitutional Court, the National Prosecuting Authority and the SABC.

The Judicial Services Commission is currently working on a complaint that Cape Judge President John Hlophe allegedly tried to influence the court over the Zuma judgment the court is yet to hand down.

The NPA's boss, Vusi Pikoli, has been suspended over an alleged breakdown in relations with Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla, and the CEO of the SABC is contesting his suspension, while the head of news that he suspended, Snuki Zikalala, has been reinstated.

Recent comments

The NEC said it "noted" recent comments in the public arena on many of these matters, including the conduct of judges of the Constitutional Court.

"It reaffirmed the ANC's commitment to vigorously defend and support the independence, integrity and credibility of all state institutions, including the judiciary.

"It also asserted the right of any information or individual to freely express themselves on the conduct of any public institution or official.

"Far from undermining constitutional institutions, the exercise of this right contributes to a vibrant debate that is a necessary part of any democratic society."

- SAPA