JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma has issued a demand for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign by Friday, accusing him of repeatedly breaching the Constitution following a controversial cabinet reshuffle involving the police ministry.
The demand comes just days after the Constitutional Court dismissed an urgent application by Zuma and his party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), challenging Ramaphosa’s recent executive decisions. Zuma’s legal team has written a letter to Ramaphosa, giving him until 10am on Friday, 8 August 2025, to respond or face court action.
Zuma claims Ramaphosa acted illegally when he placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister, shortly before launching a R147.9 million commission of inquiry into alleged political interference in police operations. The former president also wants the appointments reversed.
The Constitutional Court declined to hear the MK party’s challenge, saying the case did not fall within its jurisdiction and denying direct access. Despite the judgment, Zuma is pushing ahead, threatening further legal action in the High Court or other forums.
His lawyers say the president must explain the timeline and legal basis for appointing Cachalia. “What exactly is a ‘Minister Designate’, from a constitutional point of view?” Zuma asked through KMNS Attorneys.
They added that Ramaphosa’s actions were “illegal, irrational and unconstitutional,” regardless of how the presidency may justify them.
Zuma’s objections are linked to the broader fallout from claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged serious political interference in police operations. His accusations prompted Ramaphosa to act, with Justice Madlanga now leading the inquiry.
According to the Department of Justice, the Madlanga Commission will cost South African taxpayers nearly R148 million.
The letter from Zuma’s legal team insists Ramaphosa withdraw his decisions and resign, saying his actions are not in the interests of the South African people. It warns that failure to comply will result in urgent court action without further notice.
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