S. Africa's leader told to explain ministerial firings

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - A high court in South Africa has ordered President Jacob Zuma to explain why he fired his finance minister and deputy, leading to market losses worth millions.

Pretoria High Court Judge Bashier Vally ruled late on Thursday that Zuma has five days to provide records for the firing of Pravin Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas.

South Africa’s main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) filed an application in court demanding that Zuma provide them with documents and records explaining why he reshuffled his cabinet.

Zuma replaced several high-profile ministers in March, leading to tumbling of markets.

Several protests have since been held across the country demanding the resignation of the 75-year-old leader. Zuma says he will not resign unless his party asks him to leave.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Durban on Thursday, Zuma said his recent cabinet reshuffle was aimed at giving younger members of parliament a chance to contribute their expertise to government.

Gordhan had been credited with restoring investor confidence in the country which has faced with slow economic growth, labor strikes and low commodity prices. He was also reportedly opposed to the government’s excessive spending, angering Zuma and his allies.

Zuma, who came to power in 2009, has been accused of corruption but survived several no-confidence votes in parliament thanks to his African National Congress (ANC) majority in the National Assembly.

South Africa’s parliament will soon debate a new no-confidence motion against Zuma.

The ANC, which fought for the liberation of South Africa from white-minority rule, has been in power since the dawn of democracy in the country in 1994. The party is accused of shielding corrupt leaders and being divided along factions.