South African Deputy President David Mabuza\u2019s reappointment to his post was cast into doubt after he asked to delay his swearing-in as a lawmaker while he defends himself against accusations that he brought the ruling African National Congress into disrepute.<\/p>\n
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has vowed to clean up the government after his predecessor Jacob Zuma\u2019s scandal-marred rule, is due to name a new cabinet after his 25 May inauguration.<\/p>\n
Under the constitution, his deputy must be selected from among the ranks of the 400 lawmakers, meaning Mabuza could be disqualified if he doesn\u2019t clear his name in the next few days.<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa initially favored Higher Education Minister Naledi Pandor or International Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu to be his deputy, but gave the post to Mabuza after he won the deputy leadership of the party in December 2017.<\/p>\n
Mabuza, who was due to be sworn in as lawmaker on Wednesday, asked to delay the process \u201cin light of a report by the ANC Integrity Commission in which he is alleged to have prejudiced the integrity of the ANC and brought the organization into disrepute,\u201d Ramaphosa said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe deputy president has indicated he would like to have an opportunity to address the Integrity Commission on these allegations,\u201d Ramaphosa said. \u201cIn the meantime, he has decided nevertheless to follow the dictates of his conscience.\u201d<\/p>\n
The party asked the integrity committee to look into the suitability of all proposed lawmakers. While the body can make recommendations to the party, its decisions aren\u2019t binding. Ramaphosa didn\u2019t indicate what Mabuza was alleged to have done wrong.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe constitution is very clear,\u201d Pierre de Vos, a law profession at the University of Cape Town said by phone.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are not a member of the National Assembly you cannot be appointed Deputy President. The Constitution and the electoral law are not clear how long a person can postpone his swearing in, but I don\u2019t think it can be indefinitely.\u201d<\/p>\n