Why undermine constitutional separation of powers?
Judge Jan Steyn called on President Thabo Mbeki to back off from proposed constitutional amendments that will undermine the independence of the judiciary. Mbeki recently said he regarded the Constitution as sacred and did not wish it amended to enable him to serve a third term of office, since amendment would amount to a breach of the compact concluded with the people of the country. That reasoning applies forcefully to the intended judicial amendments, which will impose an ill-considered and politically charged judicial dispensation if not urgently reconsidered. Why and with what objective does one of the parties to the Constitution now seek to meddle with it? When our wise negotiators were drafting, what gross errors did they make that suddenly cry out for corrective recasting of the terms of the Constitution? Will suggested amendments contribute to the establishment of a more dynamic democracy? (BD 14.3) Its the government wot dunnit Policy co-ordinator David Jarvis of trade & indus
