ANC labels DA's court case against Ramaphosa an 'unnecessary distraction'

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has described the Democratic Alliance (DA) latest Electoral Court challenge against President Cyril Ramaphosa as an “unnecessary distraction.” 

The Electoral Court on Thursday heard oral arguments in the DA's application to have Ramaphosa and the ANC sanctioned for using state resources for political gain. 

READ: DA wants Electoral Court to cut number of votes ANC received in polls, Ramaphosa fined

The DA said Ramaphosa's 26th May speech, which the SABC broadcast and shared on government social media accounts, was a thinly veiled political advert under the guise of a presidential address to the nation. 

However, The Presidency and ANC have denied this.

"The ANC reiterates that the President of the Republic has not only the right but also the constitutional obligation to inform the public about matters of public interest. This constitutional duty knows no bounds of time or day and remains in effect for as long as a person holds the office of President of the Republic in accordance with the Constitution of South Africa.

"In this regard, President Cyril Ramaphosa violated no law by fulfilling his constitutional mandate," said the ANC's interim spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi.