Cape Town – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says it would not be appropriate for him to comment on processes related to the Marikana civil claims as summons have been served on him.
The Deputy President said this when fielding questions for oral reply in the National Assembly on Thursday.
“I am informed that preparations for the establishment of an alternative dispute resolution process are currently ongoing and that, as indicated in a statement from the Presidency on 14 October 2015, an announcement will be made in due course and one can expect that when the announcement is made, more details will be made available.
“I wish to inform the House that a summons has been issued to me in my personal capacity and two other parties arising from the events in Marikana in August 2012.
“As a consequence, and on the basis of legal advice I have sought and obtained, I have informed the Secretary of Cabinet that it would not be appropriate for me to be involved in the process I have referred to announced by the President on 29 September 2015,” he said.
Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane had asked the Deputy President about the progress that has been made in the establishment of an alternative dispute resolution process following President Zuma’s announcement in September.
In a statement in September, President Zuma announced that government was exploring initiating an alternative dispute resolution process to expedite the processing of all claims arising from the tragic incidents of August 2012.
The President said a judge, assisted by experts, would be asked to lead this process in order to reinforce its independence.
“Government will engage with the legal representatives of claimants and encourage them to use this process.
“To the extent that some do not lend their cooperation or it is not possible to resolve claims through mediation, government will seek to do so through the court process.
“But it is hoped that the aim of achieving swift compensation for bona fide claims will be shared by all who genuinely seek to assist those who have suffered,” the President said at the time.
On Thursday, the Deputy President said with the latest developments, providing details about the process would not be appropriate.
“…I believe it is not appropriate for me to get involved in as I will soon be a litigant in this matter. I therefore will not get involved.”
In response to media queries emanating from the Deputy President’s oral reply, the Presidency issued a statement confirming that he has instructed his lawyers to defend the action.
“We reiterate the view that the findings of the Farlam Commission remain clear insofar as they relate to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa personally,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
