(File image) DA leader Helen Zille. Photo: Mxolisi Madela (File image) DA leader Helen Zille. Photo: Mxolisi Madela
DA leader Helen Zille says the reintroduction of the controversial Traditional Courts Bill is “questionable” and may be construed as an attempt by President Jacob Zuma to “buy political patronage” in the run-up to the ANC’s elective conference in Mangaung in December.
“I have no doubt this legislation would not have been reintroduced now if there was any chance of it decreasing the size of Jacob Zuma’s corner in Mangaung,” Zille said at a press conference at Parliament when she expressed the DA’s rejection of the bill in its entirety and called for its withdrawal.
The stated aim of the bill – which has been rejected by prominent women and civil society organisations, including Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Lulu Xingwana, Dr Mamphela Ramphele and the ANC Women’s League – is to regulate traditional courts and customary law to bring them in line with the constitution.
Critics say that while entrenching the rights of traditional leaders, the bill – which affects 22 million rural South Africans – ignores the plight of vulnerable citizens and women.
Zille said it was interesting that the bill had been taken off the parliamentary schedule in 2008 and, “suddenly, six months before Mangaung”, made a reappearance.
“One has to ask questions around the timing. If it was thought to be unconstitutional then, why is it suddenly making a reappearance now? Somewhat ironically, the Minister of Justice, Jeff Radebe, who tabled the bill, has himself now raised concerns over the controversial piece of legislation.”
Political Bureau