Cape Town – The ANC has issued an apology to the office of the chief justice (OCJ) for featuring deputy chief justice Mandisa Maya’s image on an election campaign poster without authorisation.
According to EWN, this came after severe criticism directed at the ruling party by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s office.
The OCJ deemed the use of Maya’s face inappropriate and instructed the ANC to remove the post, highlighting that Maya is not a member of any political party, and such unauthorised use could bring the judiciary into disrepute.
The ANC’s attempt to highlight gender transformation through Maya’s role backfired, drawing reprimand from the highest office in the country’s top court.
Zondo’s office warned that this action has the potential to discredit the judiciary and advised the ANC to remove the poster from all online platforms where it was posted.
The ANC complied, taking down the poster and publicly apologising, expressing regret for any offence caused and clarifying their intention was to celebrate societal progress and transformation, especially in the judiciary.
“The ANC regrets any offence caused to the deputy chief justice Mandisa Maya when a poster with her image was posted on our X page without her consent.
The ANC regrets any offence caused to Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya when a poster with her image was posted on our X page without her consent.
We intended to celebrate the significant progress and transformation made in all areas of society, including the judiciary, where…
— African National Congress (@MYANC) November 18, 2023
“We intended to celebrate the significant progress and transformation made in all areas of society, including the judiciary, where justice Maya is widely respected.
“The ANC unreservedly apologises to the DCJ on this oversight,” the report quoted the party as saying.
[WATCH] “Judges are independent….We should not drag them into party political issues, and they should also not drag themselves into politics.”- President Cyril Ramaphosa during his voter registration drive in Soweto. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/i84rWv7h1s
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 18, 2023
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu