Presidency turns to court to stop Zim report
The presidency tried to convince the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday that it should not be compelled to release a report on the 2002 presidential elections in Zimbabwe
“The disclosure of the record would reveal information supplied in confidence by or on behalf of another state,” said Marumo Moerane, representing the president.
He also argued the report was “essentially... obtained or prepared for the purpose of assisting to formulate policy”.
The presidency was not obliged to release the report because the two judges who compiled it were special envoys whose function was to inform then president Thabo Mbeki about constitutional and legal challenges in Zimbabwe.
The information contained in their report was confidential, argued Moerane.
The Mail & Guardian weekly newspaper won attempts in the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal to have the report made public under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (Paia).
The newspaper requested the report in June 2008, but the president refused to release it on the grounds that it would reveal information supplied by Zimbabwean government officials in confidence.
However, the Mail & Guardian argued the release of the report was in the public interest because it would throw light on whether President Robert Mugabe legitimately remained in office after the elections.
Both the High Court in Pretoria and the Supreme Court of Appeal agreed with the newspaper.
The presidency had now turned to the Constitutional Court in an attempt to keep the report secret.
The two judges who compiled the document, Sisi Khampepe and Dikgang Moseneke, are both Constitutional Court judges. They recused themselves from Tuesday’s hearing.
Otis
I smell a rat, there is obviously something that the SA government knows about the regime in Zim and would not have that information published. Is it about watching each other's back as both parties are liberators of their respective countries? Even at the expense of the poor long suffering Zim people? The wind of change is blowing and none of you can stop it.Report Abuse
ApelMankotsana
I have always and still maintain that the stalemate in Zimbabwe must just come to an end. Zimbabwe cannot be ruled by SADC indefinately. I still maintain that the problems of Zimbabwe must be solved by Zimbabweans themselves, not the Mail & Guardian or anybode else. I remember vividly when Thabo Mbeki was rebuked by Cosatu that he is adopting a quite diplomacy against Zimbabwe. But I still cannot see which diplomacy is Jacob Zuma is currently employing in Zim. A kore quiter diplomacy. Most of the Zimbabwean have fled to South Africa but instead of mobilising themselves into strong organisation they are busy.....................Yes busy commitig crimes in South Africa.Report Abuse
Chabella
Why stop it. I know why. Their own report says that the election was stolen, and they publicly denied it, telling us all that the election was free and fair. Clearly not. Typical ANC hypocrisy, typical ANC liesReport Abuse
somaartakeit
typical actions of a government devoid of any moral fibre or ability to be honest a reason to vote these dishonest corrupt animals out, now!!!Report Abuse
Zee2620
Wanna know where South Africa is heading under ANC rule?Ask a Zimbabwean!
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Pumpup
Lets focus on our own elections tomorrow. Mail & Guardian can go back home to ZimReport Abuse
TripleK
What is M&G going to do with the report after it's release? I would still like to read it though it will not solve the problems Zim is facing...Report Abuse
Chabella
I think the MG simply knows the report is news worthy, as it will expose ANC hypocrisy and lies. The newspaper simply wants the story, and personally I would love to know the full extent of the cheeting as done by ZANU-PF in the earliest of elections that they were about to be voted out.I remeber at that time that it was reported by this (our) envoy that the ZIM elections was NOT free and fair, but that was ignored by the ANC goverment. I'm sure Cosatu would also like to know as they were kicked out of Zim when they went to investigate.
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Chris
The ANC is behind all the problems in ZIM. thats what ! And they plan to do the same here if the DA threaten their power.Report Abuse
uMnuz
DICTATOR/tyrant Robert Mugabe! It's amazing that Mugabe can carry on and do what he likes to his very own people. Get that idiot out and charge him in the Haig for crimes to humanity. Then hang him in public.Report Abuse