DA Takes Legal Route Challenging President Ramaphosa's Actions in Lady R Inquiry

This week, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has sought the intervention of the judiciary over contentions surrounding the 'Lady R' case. The party has deemed the action of President Cyril Ramaphosa in appointing a judge to lead an investigation into the arrival of a Russian cargo ship at Simon's Town, as unconstitutional.

In court papers tendered earlier this month at the Pretoria high court, the DA's Glynnis Breytenbach articulated that a judge's appointment to a 'secretive and unregulated investigation panel, whose operations are privy solely to the executive,' is not consistent with the principles and values of a judicial office.

"It is offside with the constitutional role of the judiciary for a judge to be appointed to such a panel," stated the court documents filed by the DA.

The Russian ship anchored at Simon’s Town in December, prompting widespread speculation and concerns. The President's decision to entrust an anonymous judicial figure with the investigation into the incident has, according to the DA, established an impression of clandestine, executive-biased processes that are inconsistent with the doctrines of transparency and accountability in democratic governance.

The DA, through its court action, seeks a resolution that endorses the notions of the rule of law and constitutionality, therefore demanding the independence of the judiciary and fostering transparency in political processes.