South African court orders Zuma to explain reason for cabinet reshuffle

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday ruled that Jacob Zuma should explain the reason for his March 30 cabinet reshuffle that created a lot of furore.

This ruling was as a result of a legal action filed in April by the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party against the reshuffle that saw five ministers lose their jobs including former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

Gordhan’s sack was linked to an intelligence report that accused him and his sacked deputy Mcebisi Jonas of conspiring to undermine the country at an investor roadshow in London.

Zuma said in court papers that the cabinet reshuffle was an executive decision and the ruling was “an abuse of court process”, local news portal News24 reported.

He added that it was in exercise of his powers per the constitution that deserved protection.

The High Court Judge Bashier Vally said he would deliberate on the ruling next Tuesday.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has called on Zuma to appeal against the court ruling.