"it is a requirement of the rule of law that the exercise of public
power by the executive and other functionaries should not be
arbitrary. Decisions must be rationally related to the purpose for
which the power was given, otherwise they are in effect arbitrary
and inconsistent with this requirement. It follows that in order to
pass constitutional scrutiny the exercise of public power by the
executive and other functionaries must, at least, comply with this
requirement.
If it does not, if falls short of the standards
demanded by our Constitution for such action. "2
20.
On the question of content, there must be rationality 1n terms of
whatever the government or parliament does.
The absence of a
rational relationship, donates arbitrariness, which clearly is invalid.
Lastly, the concept invokes two self evident statements that will not be
expanded on.
The first is democracy and accountability.
See for
instance United Democratic Movement v President of the Republic
of South Africa (No.2) 2003 (1) SA 495 (CC). The second is the
doctrine of separation of powers and checks and balances.
21.
On the latter issue in South Africa Association of Personal Injury
Lawyers v Heath 2001 (1) SA 883 (CC); the Constitutional Court
stated as follows:~
"there can be no doubt that our Constitution provides for such a
separation of powers and that laws inconsistent with what the
Constitution requires in this regards are invalid"
22.
See also State v Dodo 2001 (3) SA 382 (CC).
2
See also Fedsure Life Assurance Ltd v Greater Johannesburg Transitional Metropolitan Council1999 (1) SA 374 (CC);
New National Party v Government of the Republic of South Africa 1999 (3) SA 191 (CC); President of South Africa v
South African Rugby Football Union 2000 (1) SA (CC).
Page 6 of46
Applicant's Heads of Argument in the matter between:
Loveness Mudzuru & Another v Minister of Justice Legal & Parliamentary Affairs & 2 Others
Case Number CCZ 79/2014
Prepared by Tendai Biti Law