South African Friends voice concern
Friends in South Africa write to president Jacob Zuma
The Quaker Peace Centre in Cape Town sent a letter to Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa, before he controversially sacked Pravin Gordhan, one of his leading critics, who is the minister for finance.
Zuma dismissed Gordhan last week in a move that has been widely condemned by many human rights groups.
The letter urged Zuma to act ‘rationally’ when hiring and firing cabinet members and reserved ‘the right to litigate urgently’ in the Constitutional Court for appropriate relief in the evident of him sacking Pravin Gordhan. South African Friends may now pursue this action.
The Peace Centre was particularly concerned over the possible replacement of Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas, who have challenged some of Jacob Zuma’s policies, by a supporter of the president.
Carol Bower, chairperson of the Quaker Peace Centre, will be visiting Britain in July and August.
