Dlamini-Zuma told to ‘explain poor lockdown decisions’ in court

Tobacco bans, limits on what clothes could be bought, and of course, the removal of cooked chickens from supermarket shelves: The more you look back at some of our lockdown laws, the more ridiculous they seem. However, a court challenge this week believes the buck for these ‘damaging decisions’ stops with Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Dlamini-Zuma ‘taken to court’ over lockdown decisions

The COGTA minister has the final say on what does, and does not get approved. In the last 18 months, NDZ has been known to add a few ‘extras’ on to the changes declared by President Ramaphosa in his family meetings – already this year, Dlamini-Zuma altered the definition of a beach and tried to prohibit alcohol transportation at Easter.

Though not solely responsible for the big calls made by the National Coroanavirus Command Council, the minister is essentially the one responsible for what is written into our State of Disaster laws. And Sakeliga has a bone to pick.

‘NDZ is responsible for poor decision-making’ – Sakeliga

The business forum has announced its plans to take Dlamini-Zuma to court, and compel her to explain the decision-making process behind some of the stranger lockdown restrictions…

“The court application forms part of a process, in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, to obtain Dlamini-Zuma’s records of decision-making regarding the lockdown and all disaster management regulations. In terms of the Disaster Management Act, the COGTA Minister is the person responsible for enacting these regulations.”

“One can probably do little about the damage that has already been done by poor decision-making, but the records can help put an end to harmful policies and prevent future damage.” | Sakeliga statement

Dlamini-Zuma claims ‘Cabinet privilege’ can be enacted

However, it’s understood that NDZ is already trying to resist the process. Sakeliga had previously asked the senior ANC member to furnish them with the details behind certain bans and prohibitions. She has allegedly refused, leaving the group with no choice but to pursue a path of litigation.

“The drastic restrictions, their cost, and now the question of forced vaccination are factors that must be examined with great care. The court application is therefore aimed at forcing the person legally responsible for the decisions, namely Minister Dlamini-Zuma, to disclose her records of decision-making for public inspection.”

“To justify her refusal to disclose the information to Sakeliga, Minister Dlamini-Zuma turned to the allegation that her decisions were protected by cabinet privilege. However, this cannot be the case for all the information relevant to her decisions, as the law is clear that she must exercise her judgment in enacting regulations.”