Lindiwe Sisulu Retracts ‘Unsubstantiated, Hurtful’ Article on Judiciary & Apologises after Meeting Ramaphosa

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has retracted her controversial opinion piece which Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo labled as “unsubstantiated insult” and attack on the judiciary.

In a statement, the Presidency said President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Sisulu in Cape Town earlier this week, where he admonished her about her recent article entitled “Hi Mzansi, have we seen justice?”

In the article, Sisulu argued that racist agendas control the justice system and questioned the constitution and whether it had done enough to deal with structural issues brought about by apartheid.

Sisulu conceded that her words were inappropriate and affirmed her support for the judiciary.

“I accept that my column has levelled against the judiciary and African judges in particular unsubstantiated, gratuitous and deeply hurtful comments. I retract unequivocally my hurtful comments.”

Sisulu also apologised for the hurt that she caused the judiciary.

“I recognise that many women and men judges past and present have served their country in the judiciary with dedication and patriotism and some have made sterling sacrifices in the fight against apartheid and colonialism.”

Last week Zondo said the judiciary is not immune to criticism but calls on critics to quote them on specific judgments.