The Democratic Alliance (DA) will appear before the Electoral Court on Thursday in a case against President Cyril Ramaphosa, following his speech to the nation shortly before the May elections.

In May, Ramaphosa made a presidential address in which he highlighted his government’s successes, as the sixth administration came to a close.

DA noted that under the guise of delivering an address to the nation, Ramaphosa violated the Electoral Code of Conduct when he “abused” the highest office in the land for “flagrant electioneering”.

The DA contends that the President's speech contained content to advance the African National Congress's prospects in the election.

This, the DA argued, was an “abuse” of a State institution for party political purposes, said DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille.

Amongst other things, Zille said this violated the Electoral Code of Conduct which the President was bound to uphold.

She explained that despite efforts to reach a settlement, the case was proceeding, which she said underscored the DA's commitment to preventing public office bearers from misusing State institutions for partisan purposes.