The African Transformation Movement has slammed the Constitutional Court for what it believes to be a reckless judgment allowing people who left to take up citizenship elsewhere to remain South Africans with full rights like any other citizen.The court on Tuesday declared Section 6(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act of 1995 to be unconstitutional.The invalidated section required of anyone intending to take up citizenship of another country to first apply for and be granted written permission by the minister of home affairs in order to be allowed to keep their South African citizenship. ATM said the judgement was problematic as it allowed individuals with questionable loyalty to enjoy full citizenship including being elected into public office.
“The African Transformation Movement (ATM) stands in opposition to the Constitutional Court’s reckless decision to declare section 6(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act unconstitutional. This ruling, which now allows South Africans to hold onto their citizenship even after voluntarily swearing allegiance to another nation, is nothing short of a betrayal of our country’s sovereignty. No self-respecting nation lets its citizens have one foot in and one foot out.Our citizenship is not a convenience to be picked up or dropped at will. To allow dual citizenship without restriction is to invite divided loyalties, especially from those who might seek to lead us in the future,” said ATM in a hard hitting statement.The party said the judgement was in violation of the collective interests of South Africans and set an unsustainable precedent.
“The Constitutional Court has not only misjudged this matter but has crossed a line, tramplingon the will of the people and what’s in their best interest. By striking down this law, the courthas set a dangerous precedent, one that risks eroding our national identity and leaving usexposed to foreign influences that could undermine our hard-won freedom,” said spokesperson Zama Ntshona in the statement. The party said the ruling vindicates it in the argument that the current constitution did not serve the interests of the majority and called for it to be discarded.
“This ruling is a symptom of a deeper problem, a Constitution that is showing cracks that nolonger serve the needs of our people. The ATM has longed called for the drafting of a newconstitution, one forged through the voices of ordinary South Africans, not dictated by courtsor elites.A new constitution would be a chance to Put South Africans First, to protect our sovereignty, and to ensure our laws affirm the loyalty and love we expect from those who call this nation home. It’s really time now for a national conversation to craft a document that truly prioritises the dreams, security, and future of our people,” argued ATM.