Opposition parties say Chief Justice’s departure could have been avoided

By Lelethu Mquqo
28 July 2011

Opposition parties have come out in unison, saying Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo’s refusal to accept an extension of his term of office could have been avoided.

The Inkatha Freedom Party says they had earlier raised the issue about how the way in which President Jacob Zuma sought to extend Ngcobo’s term was unconstitutional.

The party praised Ngcobo for his integrity, saying he was living proof that the upholding of the South African Constitution must be put before all personal gain.

The Democratic Alliance has meanwhile laid the blame on Justice Minister Jeff Radebe.

The party says Radebe acted at an unforgivably slow pace on the matter, adding that the Judiciary will now suffer a grave loss as a result.