Madam Deputy Speaker, President Nelson Mandela signed the Constitution in Sharpeville. In doing so, he symbolised the fact that we had paid with tears, sweat and blood for this Constitution. Therefore, it was sacrosanct. Section 165(4) of our Constitution requires that organs of state, through legislative and other measures, must assist and protect the courts to ensure their independence, impartiality, dignity, etc.
Yet, members of the executive, under the President, as hon Ngwako Ramatlodi has done, continue brazenly to attack the judiciary at every available instance. For instance, this past week, he said, and I quote, "I have seen now in our country, that the courts are being used to replace the executive." Yet, the President, in his capacity as head of the executive, and the person who appoints these people, has not as yet taken a moment to repudiate them or call them to order.
This is a failure to keep his oath of office. Therefore, we will not support this Vote. I thank you. [Applause.]