Fulcrum29
Honorary Master
No, think Agang started the initiative, everyone else along with the EFF lifted their position on the matter.
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The Pansy Tlakula - Public Protector Probe
- Thread starter LazyLion
- Start date
No, think Agang started the initiative, everyone else along with the EFF lifted their position on the matter.
MickeyD
RIP
They were not present, so how do you arrive at that conclusion?
You are correct, the DA are not part of that forum.
Grant
Honorary Master
he's off to occupy union buildings on the 10th isn't he ? (zuma has not resigned)
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Tlakula resignation call concerning: ANC
The ANC expressed concern on Thursday over statements by political parties calling on the Electoral Commission of SA's chairwoman Pansy Tlakula to resign.
"The African National Congress reaffirms its confidence in the commitment, willingness and expertise of the IEC as a whole, led by its chairperson, to deliver credible, free and fair elections," spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.
"Any calls therefore for the resignation of the IEC chairperson, we view as opportunistic, malicious and designed to cast doubt over the credibility of the general election of 2014."
Opposition parties have said they are worried about the credibility of the May 7 elections. The parties met the IEC's management at a Pretoria hotel on Tuesday.
The forum of opposition parties met to discuss Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's finding on security upgrades to President Jacob Zuma's private Nkandla homestead and controversy around Tlakula.
The forum consists of the African Christian Democratic Party, AgangSA, the Azanian People's Organisation, the Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus, Inkatha Freedom Party, United Christian Democratic Party, and the United Democratic Movement.
At a media briefing with the forum on Tuesday, EFF leader Julius Malema called on Tlakula to resign.
"It is in the interest of the unity of this country, to avoid the possibility of civil war and disputed election results. She has seven days to step down or appropriate action will be announced regarding what is going to follow," he said.
Mthembu said the "threats of a civil war" was a dangerous statement to make.
"The ANC calls upon all South Africans to reject attempts to delegitimise the IEC and thus create an environment that casts aspersion on its work and by necessary implication, the 2014 general election," he said.
Source : Sapa /gq/hdw/lp/jje
Date : 03 Apr 2014 12:58
The ANC expressed concern on Thursday over statements by political parties calling on the Electoral Commission of SA's chairwoman Pansy Tlakula to resign.
"The African National Congress reaffirms its confidence in the commitment, willingness and expertise of the IEC as a whole, led by its chairperson, to deliver credible, free and fair elections," spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.
"Any calls therefore for the resignation of the IEC chairperson, we view as opportunistic, malicious and designed to cast doubt over the credibility of the general election of 2014."
Opposition parties have said they are worried about the credibility of the May 7 elections. The parties met the IEC's management at a Pretoria hotel on Tuesday.
The forum of opposition parties met to discuss Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's finding on security upgrades to President Jacob Zuma's private Nkandla homestead and controversy around Tlakula.
The forum consists of the African Christian Democratic Party, AgangSA, the Azanian People's Organisation, the Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus, Inkatha Freedom Party, United Christian Democratic Party, and the United Democratic Movement.
At a media briefing with the forum on Tuesday, EFF leader Julius Malema called on Tlakula to resign.
"It is in the interest of the unity of this country, to avoid the possibility of civil war and disputed election results. She has seven days to step down or appropriate action will be announced regarding what is going to follow," he said.
Mthembu said the "threats of a civil war" was a dangerous statement to make.
"The ANC calls upon all South Africans to reject attempts to delegitimise the IEC and thus create an environment that casts aspersion on its work and by necessary implication, the 2014 general election," he said.
Source : Sapa /gq/hdw/lp/jje
Date : 03 Apr 2014 12:58
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Translation: She hasn't wasted enough taxpayer money yet, but when she does we will be ready to promote her in the ANC.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
NO RESPONSE FROM TLAKULA: HOLOMISA
Opposition parties have received no communication from IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula regarding their call for her to resign, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said on Monday.
"We will start implementing the resolution of the political parties who agreed she should step down," he said.
"We have identified a law firm who will take the matter forward starting from tomorrow onwards."
Tlakula had until the close of business on Monday to respond to the opposition parties' call for her to step down.
Holomisa said he was waiting for the other opposition parties to let him know if they will join the legal action. He has given them till 3pm on Monday.
The Electoral Commission of SA had not responded to questions from Sapa on whether Tlakula would resign.
Earlier this month, the parties said they were worried about the credibility of the May 7 elections and the parties met the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) management.
Parties calling for her resignation were the United Democratic Movement, the Azanian People's Organisation, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Inkatha Freedom Party, the United Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Agang SA on Monday said it was still supporting the call for Tlakula to resign.
"We are still calling for her to step aside and will join legal action if she does not," deputy national spokesman Andrew Gasnolar said.
Agang SA leader Mamphela Ramphele has previously said the electoral body should be headed by a person "without a whiff of a cloud over her head".
EFF spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlovu said the party was still supporting the call.
"We are waiting for her [Tlakula] response," he said.
Source : Sapa /gq/jje
Date : 14 Apr 2014 14:44
Opposition parties have received no communication from IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula regarding their call for her to resign, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said on Monday.
"We will start implementing the resolution of the political parties who agreed she should step down," he said.
"We have identified a law firm who will take the matter forward starting from tomorrow onwards."
Tlakula had until the close of business on Monday to respond to the opposition parties' call for her to step down.
Holomisa said he was waiting for the other opposition parties to let him know if they will join the legal action. He has given them till 3pm on Monday.
The Electoral Commission of SA had not responded to questions from Sapa on whether Tlakula would resign.
Earlier this month, the parties said they were worried about the credibility of the May 7 elections and the parties met the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) management.
Parties calling for her resignation were the United Democratic Movement, the Azanian People's Organisation, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Inkatha Freedom Party, the United Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Agang SA on Monday said it was still supporting the call for Tlakula to resign.
"We are still calling for her to step aside and will join legal action if she does not," deputy national spokesman Andrew Gasnolar said.
Agang SA leader Mamphela Ramphele has previously said the electoral body should be headed by a person "without a whiff of a cloud over her head".
EFF spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlovu said the party was still supporting the call.
"We are waiting for her [Tlakula] response," he said.
Source : Sapa /gq/jje
Date : 14 Apr 2014 14:44
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
TLAKULA FAILED TO RESPOND: HOLOMISA
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula has failed to respond to some opposition parties' call for her to resign, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said on Tuesday.
"She has not responded," he said.
"We are in consultation with lawyers as we speak in line with the multi-party resolution."
Opposition parties had given Tlakula until the close of business on Monday to respond to their call for her to step down.
They have threatened to take legal action if she did not.
Earlier this month, the parties said they were worried about the credibility of the May 7 elections and the parties met IEC management.
Parties calling for her resignation were the United Democratic Movement, the Azanian People's Organisation, the African Christian Democratic Party, the United Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The Inkatha Freedom Party was originally named on the list of opposition parties but on Monday it said it was not part of the group.
Agang SA and EFF had both indicated on Monday that they were still supporting the call for Tlakula to resign.
Source : Sapa /gq/jje
Date : 15 Apr 2014 10:47
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula has failed to respond to some opposition parties' call for her to resign, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said on Tuesday.
"She has not responded," he said.
"We are in consultation with lawyers as we speak in line with the multi-party resolution."
Opposition parties had given Tlakula until the close of business on Monday to respond to their call for her to step down.
They have threatened to take legal action if she did not.
Earlier this month, the parties said they were worried about the credibility of the May 7 elections and the parties met IEC management.
Parties calling for her resignation were the United Democratic Movement, the Azanian People's Organisation, the African Christian Democratic Party, the United Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The Inkatha Freedom Party was originally named on the list of opposition parties but on Monday it said it was not part of the group.
Agang SA and EFF had both indicated on Monday that they were still supporting the call for Tlakula to resign.
Source : Sapa /gq/jje
Date : 15 Apr 2014 10:47
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
ELECTORAL COURT TO SIT ON TLAKULA MATTER
The Electoral Court will hear an application by opposition parties to force IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula to resign, a court official said on Thursday.
The Electoral Court would sit for the application in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The parties calling for Tlakula's resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
This follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury on the procurement of the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained that she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
Source : Sapa /ag/jk/lp/th
Date : 24 Apr 2014 16:15
The Electoral Court will hear an application by opposition parties to force IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula to resign, a court official said on Thursday.
The Electoral Court would sit for the application in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The parties calling for Tlakula's resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
This follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury on the procurement of the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained that she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
Source : Sapa /ag/jk/lp/th
Date : 24 Apr 2014 16:15
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
TLAKULA TO MAKE SUBMISSIONS TO COURT
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula will file formal submissions to the Electoral Court on Friday following an application by opposition parties that want her to resign, her lawyer said.
"We will make formal submissions today [Friday]," Leslie Mkhabela said.
The Electoral Court is expected to sit for the application in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The parties calling for Tlakula's resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
This follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury on the procurement of the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained that she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
According to The New Age, Tlakula sent a letter to the court on Thursday in the hope that she would not have to go to court on Tuesday, which was 10 days before the election.
In the letter, Tlakula reportedly said the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) would not be able to manage the May 7 elections without her.
Source : Sapa /gq/jje/lp
Date : 25 Apr 2014 10:57
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula will file formal submissions to the Electoral Court on Friday following an application by opposition parties that want her to resign, her lawyer said.
"We will make formal submissions today [Friday]," Leslie Mkhabela said.
The Electoral Court is expected to sit for the application in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The parties calling for Tlakula's resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
This follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury on the procurement of the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained that she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
According to The New Age, Tlakula sent a letter to the court on Thursday in the hope that she would not have to go to court on Tuesday, which was 10 days before the election.
In the letter, Tlakula reportedly said the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) would not be able to manage the May 7 elections without her.
Source : Sapa /gq/jje/lp
Date : 25 Apr 2014 10:57
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
TLAKULA RESIGNATION HEADS TO COURT
The Electoral Court, sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg, will on hear an application on Tuesday brought by opposition parties to force IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula to resign.
The United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters are calling for her to resign.
This follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury on the procurement of the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained that she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
According to The New Age, Tlakula sent a letter to the court on Thursday in the hope that she would not have to go to court on Tuesday, which was 10 days before the election.
In the letter, Tlakula reportedly said the IEC would not be able to manage the May 7 elections without her.
Source : Sapa /dm/ks
Date : 29 Apr 2014 02:01
The Electoral Court, sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg, will on hear an application on Tuesday brought by opposition parties to force IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula to resign.
The United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters are calling for her to resign.
This follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury on the procurement of the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained that she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
According to The New Age, Tlakula sent a letter to the court on Thursday in the hope that she would not have to go to court on Tuesday, which was 10 days before the election.
In the letter, Tlakula reportedly said the IEC would not be able to manage the May 7 elections without her.
Source : Sapa /dm/ks
Date : 29 Apr 2014 02:01
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
TLAKULA NOT ACCOUNTABLE: RAMPHELE
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula does not think she has to account for any wrongdoing, Agang SA leader Mamphela Ramphele said on Tuesday.
"We need to stop this culture of impunity," she told Sapa.
"People in key institutions, including our president, feel they don't need to account."
Agang SA is part of a group of opposition parties calling on Tlakula to resign.
The Electoral Court, sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg, was on Tuesday hearing an application by the parties to have the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) chairwoman resign.
This followed a forensic investigation by the Treasury on the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people about what was expected of them in the process.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter. Tlakula has maintained that she was not accused of corruption in the report.
Last week, Tlakula reportedly wrote a letter to the Electoral Court in the hope that she would not have to go to court on Tuesday, a week before the May 7 elections. In the letter, she reportedly said the IEC would not be able to manage the elections without her.
Ramphele on Tuesday said the country had to be careful of "personalising" an institution such as the IEC.
She said opposition parties held a meeting with the IEC's remaining commissioners earlier this month.
"They said the IEC is an institution and not [only] one person makes it work. They want to see the IEC operating without this cloud over its head," Ramphele said.
She was confident the court would make the right decision.
"The legal arguments are there, we don't need to prove anything. It's the perception of integrity which matters."
Ramphele said it was this culture of impunity which ensured President Jacob Zuma did not have to be accountable for costly security upgrades to his private Nkandla homestead in KwaZulu-Natal.
On Monday, the parliamentary ad hoc committee which was set to consider Zuma's submissions on Madonsela's report on Nkandla was effectively dissolved. The matter would be referred to the fifth Parliament after the elections.
Ramphele on Tuesday accused the African National Congress-led government of deliberately stalling the ad hoc committee.
"[They] deliberately made sure there wasn't time to look at this. The ANC has protected corrupt officials," she said.
Ramphele believed South Africans were ready to vote in a new government.
"South African citizens must take back the power to vote for a government like we had in 1994. When we came away from those long queues a proud people," she said.
"This pride has gone out the window."
Ramphele bemoaned the exclusion of other political parties and contributors to the struggle at the official Freedom Day celebration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
"The ANC has captured the state. They don't consider other parties. I was part of that struggle in the Black Consciousness Movement."
She said the ANC came out of exile and commandeered the fight against apartheid as its own. However, former president Nelson Mandela had repeatedly said it was not the effort of one party, it was a collective.
Ramphele said the ANC liked to see itself as the only freedom fighting entity and used this to gain votes.
People needed to be educated on what democracy was, something she said she had to do on the campaign trail.
The Agang SA leader said she would spend the last week before the elections moving around the country campaigning -- from Cape Town to Limpopo.
Source : Sapa /gq/jk/th/jje
Date : 29 Apr 2014 11:47
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula does not think she has to account for any wrongdoing, Agang SA leader Mamphela Ramphele said on Tuesday.
"We need to stop this culture of impunity," she told Sapa.
"People in key institutions, including our president, feel they don't need to account."
Agang SA is part of a group of opposition parties calling on Tlakula to resign.
The Electoral Court, sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg, was on Tuesday hearing an application by the parties to have the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) chairwoman resign.
This followed a forensic investigation by the Treasury on the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people about what was expected of them in the process.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter. Tlakula has maintained that she was not accused of corruption in the report.
Last week, Tlakula reportedly wrote a letter to the Electoral Court in the hope that she would not have to go to court on Tuesday, a week before the May 7 elections. In the letter, she reportedly said the IEC would not be able to manage the elections without her.
Ramphele on Tuesday said the country had to be careful of "personalising" an institution such as the IEC.
She said opposition parties held a meeting with the IEC's remaining commissioners earlier this month.
"They said the IEC is an institution and not [only] one person makes it work. They want to see the IEC operating without this cloud over its head," Ramphele said.
She was confident the court would make the right decision.
"The legal arguments are there, we don't need to prove anything. It's the perception of integrity which matters."
Ramphele said it was this culture of impunity which ensured President Jacob Zuma did not have to be accountable for costly security upgrades to his private Nkandla homestead in KwaZulu-Natal.
On Monday, the parliamentary ad hoc committee which was set to consider Zuma's submissions on Madonsela's report on Nkandla was effectively dissolved. The matter would be referred to the fifth Parliament after the elections.
Ramphele on Tuesday accused the African National Congress-led government of deliberately stalling the ad hoc committee.
"[They] deliberately made sure there wasn't time to look at this. The ANC has protected corrupt officials," she said.
Ramphele believed South Africans were ready to vote in a new government.
"South African citizens must take back the power to vote for a government like we had in 1994. When we came away from those long queues a proud people," she said.
"This pride has gone out the window."
Ramphele bemoaned the exclusion of other political parties and contributors to the struggle at the official Freedom Day celebration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
"The ANC has captured the state. They don't consider other parties. I was part of that struggle in the Black Consciousness Movement."
She said the ANC came out of exile and commandeered the fight against apartheid as its own. However, former president Nelson Mandela had repeatedly said it was not the effort of one party, it was a collective.
Ramphele said the ANC liked to see itself as the only freedom fighting entity and used this to gain votes.
People needed to be educated on what democracy was, something she said she had to do on the campaign trail.
The Agang SA leader said she would spend the last week before the elections moving around the country campaigning -- from Cape Town to Limpopo.
Source : Sapa /gq/jk/th/jje
Date : 29 Apr 2014 11:47
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
TLAKULA CANNOT HOLD OFFICE: LAWYER
The Electoral Court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg should recommend that IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula is not fit to hold office, the court heard on Tuesday.
"You need to make a recommendation that she simply cannot continue to occupy this office," David Unterhalter SC, for various political parties, said.
"The matter is urgent because the looming election makes it necessary, where parties believe that the commission is headed by someone who is not suitable."
Unterhalter said the court should make the recommendation because South Africa was about to go into national elections and the chairwoman of the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) had misconducted herself.
The court was hearing an application by some opposition parties to have Tlakula resign ahead of the May 7 elections.
The parties calling for her resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Tlakula was not in court on Tuesday.
Last week, Tlakula reportedly wrote a letter to the Electoral Court in the hope that she would not have to go to court.
In the letter she reportedly said the IEC would not be able to manage the elections without her.
However, on Tuesday, Unterhalter said Tlakula could never be cleared of all the charges against her and should not occupy her position.
Judge Lotter Wepener questioned Unterhalter on the process that would follow a recommendation that Tlakula should resign.
"If we make a recommendation, will it have any effect on the 7th of May?" he asked.
Unterhalter responded: "The duty will rest with the committee of the National Assembly. It is not for the court to determine whether it can happen."
Wepener said the application was being heard on an urgent basis but he wanted to find out if the order would be wasting time.
"Will our order have your desired effect? If not -- we are wasting time," he told Unterhalter.
However, Unterhalter said the National Assembly would have a constitutional reasonability to find a replacement for Tlakula before the national elections.
But Wepener said he was not even sure if the committee could convene in time.
Unterhalter responded: "If the election comes and goes and this person presides over that election, we have done a disservice to South African citizens.
"The court must do what it can do to serve the Constitution of South Africa. The ball has landed in their court and we have an imminent election, then they as public servants, have a duty to perform."
He said the application was urgent because Tlakula had misconducted herself and in terms of the processes Tlakula followed, the reported allegations against her were "deeply incriminating".
The application follows a forensic investigation by the Treasury on the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It also found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
Proceedings continue.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/jje/lp
Date : 29 Apr 2014 13:21
The Electoral Court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg should recommend that IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula is not fit to hold office, the court heard on Tuesday.
"You need to make a recommendation that she simply cannot continue to occupy this office," David Unterhalter SC, for various political parties, said.
"The matter is urgent because the looming election makes it necessary, where parties believe that the commission is headed by someone who is not suitable."
Unterhalter said the court should make the recommendation because South Africa was about to go into national elections and the chairwoman of the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) had misconducted herself.
The court was hearing an application by some opposition parties to have Tlakula resign ahead of the May 7 elections.
The parties calling for her resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Tlakula was not in court on Tuesday.
Last week, Tlakula reportedly wrote a letter to the Electoral Court in the hope that she would not have to go to court.
In the letter she reportedly said the IEC would not be able to manage the elections without her.
However, on Tuesday, Unterhalter said Tlakula could never be cleared of all the charges against her and should not occupy her position.
Judge Lotter Wepener questioned Unterhalter on the process that would follow a recommendation that Tlakula should resign.
"If we make a recommendation, will it have any effect on the 7th of May?" he asked.
Unterhalter responded: "The duty will rest with the committee of the National Assembly. It is not for the court to determine whether it can happen."
Wepener said the application was being heard on an urgent basis but he wanted to find out if the order would be wasting time.
"Will our order have your desired effect? If not -- we are wasting time," he told Unterhalter.
However, Unterhalter said the National Assembly would have a constitutional reasonability to find a replacement for Tlakula before the national elections.
But Wepener said he was not even sure if the committee could convene in time.
Unterhalter responded: "If the election comes and goes and this person presides over that election, we have done a disservice to South African citizens.
"The court must do what it can do to serve the Constitution of South Africa. The ball has landed in their court and we have an imminent election, then they as public servants, have a duty to perform."
He said the application was urgent because Tlakula had misconducted herself and in terms of the processes Tlakula followed, the reported allegations against her were "deeply incriminating".
The application follows a forensic investigation by the Treasury on the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It also found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
Proceedings continue.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/jje/lp
Date : 29 Apr 2014 13:21
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
COURT WANTS FULL INQUIRY ON IEC MATTER
The Electoral Court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg wants a full inquiry into the application calling for IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula to resign.
Judge Lotter Wepener on Tuesday told Daniel Berger SC, for Tlakula, the court would give her until 5pm on Thursday to respond to the reports against her.
"The court will give you time to respond and have a full inquiry on Friday," he said.
"We can even start early. A Friday is a Friday and we have a lot to say."
After a five minute break for consultation, Berger said he could not accede to the court's demand.
Earlier, Berger argued that Tlakula never had time to respond to two reports opposition parties used as a reference to call for her resignation.
The parties calling for Tlakula's resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The application follows a forensic investigation by the Treasury on the procurement of the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It also found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
Berger told the court on Tuesday that Tlakula did not have sufficient time to respond to Madonsela's report.
"It is potentially unfair to expect her to formulate her definitive response... within 24 hours," he earlier told the court.
He said she was given a day to file her responding affidavit to the court and that was not enough time.
Berger said there was information in Madonsela's final report that Tlakula was not given time to respond to.
The hearing continues.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/jje/th
Date : 29 Apr 2014 14:56
The Electoral Court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg wants a full inquiry into the application calling for IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula to resign.
Judge Lotter Wepener on Tuesday told Daniel Berger SC, for Tlakula, the court would give her until 5pm on Thursday to respond to the reports against her.
"The court will give you time to respond and have a full inquiry on Friday," he said.
"We can even start early. A Friday is a Friday and we have a lot to say."
After a five minute break for consultation, Berger said he could not accede to the court's demand.
Earlier, Berger argued that Tlakula never had time to respond to two reports opposition parties used as a reference to call for her resignation.
The parties calling for Tlakula's resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The application follows a forensic investigation by the Treasury on the procurement of the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It also found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
Berger told the court on Tuesday that Tlakula did not have sufficient time to respond to Madonsela's report.
"It is potentially unfair to expect her to formulate her definitive response... within 24 hours," he earlier told the court.
He said she was given a day to file her responding affidavit to the court and that was not enough time.
Berger said there was information in Madonsela's final report that Tlakula was not given time to respond to.
The hearing continues.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/jje/th
Date : 29 Apr 2014 14:56
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
NOT ENOUGH TIME: LAWYER
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula does not have enough time to reply to an application calling for her resignation, the Electoral Court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg heard on Tuesday.
"She will have to leave the commission to respond -- it's undesirable and unpractical," Daniel Berger SC, for Tlakula, said.
"To formulate an affidavit of this magnitude is a huge task. She doesn't have to be put through that."
He said it would be added pressure for Tlakula to have to respond by Thursday 5pm after the court said it wanted a full inquiry into the application calling for her to resign as Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) chairwoman.
The court was hearing an application by some opposition parties to have Tlakula resign ahead of the May 7 elections.
The parties calling for her resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Berger told the court on Tuesday Tlakula "needs more time".
"It is unfair to put her into a position to push her," he argued.
He told the court she would still be chairwoman after the elections and suggested that the matter wait until then.
"Twenty court days would be fair because she remains chair. There are other elections."
However, Judge Lotter Wepener told him the matter was urgent because the political parties did not have confidence that the elections would be free and fair with Tlakula as chairwoman.
"There is urgency. We have to work expeditiously... There is a misconduct that is not contested at the moment," he said.
"The allegations are serious."
Berger said Tlakula was not called upon to make a full submission in front of the court.
It was "easy" for opposition parties to say the credibility of the elections were at stake but it would have to be tested.
Earlier, David Unterhalter SC, for the political parties, said the Electoral Court should make the recommendation that Tlakula be removed from her position.
However, Wepener said he was not convinced that if the court had to make the recommendation that it could happen before the elections.
"I have no idea how achievable it is to have her suspended. Realistically, personally I am not convinced that it can happen," he said.
Berger agreed: "Realistically, it can't happen before next week Wednesday."
He said based on that Tlakula should have time to file her responding affidavit.
Unterhalter said based on the gravity of the allegations this could taint the commission and the elections.
The application follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury on the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It also found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
The hearing continues.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/lp/ks
Date : 29 Apr 2014 16:14
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula does not have enough time to reply to an application calling for her resignation, the Electoral Court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg heard on Tuesday.
"She will have to leave the commission to respond -- it's undesirable and unpractical," Daniel Berger SC, for Tlakula, said.
"To formulate an affidavit of this magnitude is a huge task. She doesn't have to be put through that."
He said it would be added pressure for Tlakula to have to respond by Thursday 5pm after the court said it wanted a full inquiry into the application calling for her to resign as Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) chairwoman.
The court was hearing an application by some opposition parties to have Tlakula resign ahead of the May 7 elections.
The parties calling for her resignation are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Berger told the court on Tuesday Tlakula "needs more time".
"It is unfair to put her into a position to push her," he argued.
He told the court she would still be chairwoman after the elections and suggested that the matter wait until then.
"Twenty court days would be fair because she remains chair. There are other elections."
However, Judge Lotter Wepener told him the matter was urgent because the political parties did not have confidence that the elections would be free and fair with Tlakula as chairwoman.
"There is urgency. We have to work expeditiously... There is a misconduct that is not contested at the moment," he said.
"The allegations are serious."
Berger said Tlakula was not called upon to make a full submission in front of the court.
It was "easy" for opposition parties to say the credibility of the elections were at stake but it would have to be tested.
Earlier, David Unterhalter SC, for the political parties, said the Electoral Court should make the recommendation that Tlakula be removed from her position.
However, Wepener said he was not convinced that if the court had to make the recommendation that it could happen before the elections.
"I have no idea how achievable it is to have her suspended. Realistically, personally I am not convinced that it can happen," he said.
Berger agreed: "Realistically, it can't happen before next week Wednesday."
He said based on that Tlakula should have time to file her responding affidavit.
Unterhalter said based on the gravity of the allegations this could taint the commission and the elections.
The application follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury on the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion, Pretoria.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It also found Tlakula did not give guidance or formally inform various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August 2013.
The hearing continues.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/lp/ks
Date : 29 Apr 2014 16:14
marine1
Honorary Master
I am more convinced now than ever, the ANC will rig this election somehow
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
TLAKULA INQUIRY STARTS
The inquiry into IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula's fitness to hold office was expected to start at 11am on Friday in the Electoral Court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg.
Several opposition parties lodged an application seeking Tlakula's resignation as chairwoman of the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) before the May 7 elections.
The application was heard on Tuesday, but was postponed to give Tlakula time to file a responding affidavit for a full inquiry.
The opposition parties want Tlakula to resign, arguing that her integrity has been compromised.
The parties are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Their application follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury into the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It also found Tlakula neither gave guidance nor formally informed various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August last year.
On Friday, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa was in court. He entered and went to speak to the opposition parties' lawyers.
Tlakula was not in court.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/rod/lp
Date : 02 May 2014 11:11
The inquiry into IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula's fitness to hold office was expected to start at 11am on Friday in the Electoral Court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg.
Several opposition parties lodged an application seeking Tlakula's resignation as chairwoman of the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) before the May 7 elections.
The application was heard on Tuesday, but was postponed to give Tlakula time to file a responding affidavit for a full inquiry.
The opposition parties want Tlakula to resign, arguing that her integrity has been compromised.
The parties are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Their application follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury into the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective. It also found Tlakula neither gave guidance nor formally informed various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August last year.
On Friday, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa was in court. He entered and went to speak to the opposition parties' lawyers.
Tlakula was not in court.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/rod/lp
Date : 02 May 2014 11:11
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
TLAKULA PREJUDICED: LAWYER
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula was prejudiced and did not have enough time to prepare for an inquiry into an application calling for her resignation, the Electoral Court heard on Friday.
"I will deal with the prejudice she has suffered... The legal team have not had sufficient time to prepare for the investigation," Daniel Berger SC, for Tlakula, told the court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg.
"We ask the court to bear in mind... we have done what we can in the time available."
The Electoral Court was hearing an application by several opposition political parties calling for Tlakula to resign as chairwoman of the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) before the May 7 national elections.
Judge Lotter Wepener asked Berger if he would apply for more time.
Berger said no -- despite not having enough time, there would be "no point in applying" for further time.
He said they had to file an affidavit by 5pm on Thursday, but only faxed an unsigned affidavit by 7pm.
"That left no time to prepare a legal argument," he said.
"I will argue to the best of my ability... I have prepared to argue the matter today based on the affidavit in front of court."
The opposition parties want Tlakula to resign, arguing that her integrity has been compromised.
The parties are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Their application follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury into the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective.
It also found Tlakula neither gave guidance nor formally informed various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August last year.
On Friday, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa was in court. He entered and went to speak to the opposition parties' lawyers.
Tlakula was not in court.
The matter continues.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/rod/lp
Date : 02 May 2014 12:07
IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula was prejudiced and did not have enough time to prepare for an inquiry into an application calling for her resignation, the Electoral Court heard on Friday.
"I will deal with the prejudice she has suffered... The legal team have not had sufficient time to prepare for the investigation," Daniel Berger SC, for Tlakula, told the court sitting in the High Court in Johannesburg.
"We ask the court to bear in mind... we have done what we can in the time available."
The Electoral Court was hearing an application by several opposition political parties calling for Tlakula to resign as chairwoman of the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) before the May 7 national elections.
Judge Lotter Wepener asked Berger if he would apply for more time.
Berger said no -- despite not having enough time, there would be "no point in applying" for further time.
He said they had to file an affidavit by 5pm on Thursday, but only faxed an unsigned affidavit by 7pm.
"That left no time to prepare a legal argument," he said.
"I will argue to the best of my ability... I have prepared to argue the matter today based on the affidavit in front of court."
The opposition parties want Tlakula to resign, arguing that her integrity has been compromised.
The parties are the United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the Congress of the People, Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Their application follows a forensic investigation by the National Treasury into the procurement of the IEC's Riverside Office Park building in Centurion.
The probe found the process was neither fair, transparent, nor cost-effective.
It also found Tlakula neither gave guidance nor formally informed various people what was expected of them in the process.
Tlakula has maintained she was not accused of corruption in the report.
The Treasury's report followed a recommendation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her own report into the matter, released in August last year.
On Friday, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa was in court. He entered and went to speak to the opposition parties' lawyers.
Tlakula was not in court.
The matter continues.
Source : Sapa /dm/jk/rod/lp
Date : 02 May 2014 12:07