The President's replies to parliamentary questions for written reply

Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the President of the Republic:

Whether, on his recent trip to Russia, he used the opportunity of meeting with President Putin to get an assurance that the Russian government would do everything in its power to dampen the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and continue to strive to work for stability and harmony in the region; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

During my visit to Russia, President Putin briefed me fully on the issue of Ukraine and further committed himself on working with the leadership of Ukraine in finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis.

Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the President of the Republic:

Whether he relied on any constitutional or statutory provisions when he (a) made his response to the Public Protector’s report on security installations at his Nkandla residence and in particular to her recommendation that he should pay back a reasonable percentage of the cost of the measures as determined with the assistance of National Treasury and with consideration of the apportionment of the Department of Public Works and (b) referred the matter directed to him by Public Protector to the Minister of Police; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the constitutional and statutory provisions on which he relied?

Reply:

I, indeed relied on the constitutional and statutory provisions as stated and reflected in my report to parliament.

Adv A de W Alberts (FF Plus) to ask the President of the Republic:

1. Whether he has taken any legal advice on the constitutionality of the Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Act, Act 3 of 2013; if not, (a) why not and (b) why are the representations addressed to him regarding the constitutionality of this amending Act not taken into account; if so, (i) how many legal opinions have been obtained, (ii) who are the legal persons who have offered legal opinions and (iii) what were the recommendations of each legal opinion;
2. Whether these legal opinions can be obtained by the public; if not, why not; if so, where can they be obtained?

Reply:

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, as South Africa is a constitutional democracy. It therefore goes without saying that in my exercise of my constitutional responsibility to assent to and sign Bills or refer Bills to parliament, I consider the Constitution at all material times. 

Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com