The ANC is set to study the damning Constitutional Court judgement on the binding nature of the powers of the Public Protector, and the conduct of the president and National Assembly.

ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said in a statement that the party had noted the unanimous judgment.

“The African National Congress has noted and respects the unanimous judgment delivered by the Constitutional Court today in the matter relating to compliance with remedial action set out in a report of the Public Protector.

“The Constitutional Court is and remains the guardian of the Constitution of the Republic and the final arbiter on matters before it, hence the ANC welcomes the clarity provided by the Court on the binding nature of the powers of the Public Protector,” he said.

“The ANC once again reaffirms our full confidence in the judiciary and the upholding rule of law in South Africa. Given the serious nature of the judgment delivered, the African National Congress will study it in detail and comment further in due course,” Kodwa added.

In direct opposition, AfriForum spokesperson Ernst Roets called for action and said that the only thing to do was for President Jacob Zuma to step down.

“The only honourable option left to President Zuma is to relinquish his responsibilities as President of the Republic of South Africa and resign,” he said.

“The public’s trust in the President, within and outside South Africa, will never be restored.”