MK Party criticises Ramaphosa for reshuffling ‘principled’ Simelane
Zuma’s MK Party supports former Justice Minister Thembi Simelane, while the EFF, DA, and ActionSA criticize the Cabinet reshuffle as ‘cowardly.’
The Democratic Alliance (DA), uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and ActionSA have all condemned President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to transfer Thembi Simelane from the justice and constitutional development portfolio to the human settlements ministry.
On Tuesday evening, 3 December, Ramaphosa announced changes to the executive.
POLITICAL PARTIES REACT TO SIMELANE’S RESHUFFLING
As previously reported, Simelane’s alleged links to now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank surfaced in August and political parties have called for her to step down as justice minister.
On 28 November, the Democratic Alliance (DA) submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the Presidency to access Simelane’s report on her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.
Following the reshuffling, the MK Party said the decision to reshuffle Simelane is not about ensuring a more effective Cabinet but is a calculative move to silence a principled leader who refuses to align with Ramaphosa’s “factional and self-serving agenda”.
“At the heart of this reshuffle is minister Simelane’s courageous stance against renewing advocate Shamila Batohi’s term as national director of public prosecution (NDPP).
“Minister Simelane is also on record raising serious concerns about key appointments within the NPA under Batohi’s leadership, particularly the appointment of individuals who lacked the necessary security clearances. These questionable decisions have not only compromised the integrity of the NPA but have also undermined the public’s trust in its ability to operate independently and effectively,” MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said.
“Minister Simelane’s removal is not only an attack on her integrity but also a betrayal of South Africans who demand real justice and accountability. Her principled stance against political expedience and her commitment to upholding the rule of law have made her a target for an administration determine to stifle dissent,” Ndhlela added.
Meanwhile, ActionSA has also criticised Ramaphosa’s decision to redeploy Simelane, labelling it as cowardly.
“If the Thembi Simelane was deemed no longer fit to serve as Minister of Justice due to allegations of potential corruption and questionable sources of wealth beyond her declared earnings, then surely the President cannot now expect us to believe that she is perfectly suited to lead a critically important portfolio like Human Settlements, overseeing billions of rands.
“Unsurprisingly, President Ramaphosa has once again shown South Africans that he lacks both the appetite and fortitude to break the entrenched culture of unaccountability that continues to plague our country. This cowardly move by the President also highlights the fact that his own Phala Phala demons continue to hamstring his actions when it comes to dealing with corruption in his cabinet,” ActionSA leader in Parliament Athol Trollip said.
Likewise, the EFF which also called for Simelane to step down over her alleged VBS links said the appointment of individuals with dark clouds hanging over them, such as Thembi Simelane, despite unresolved allegations of corruption linked to VBS Bank, is a clear indication that the Cabinet reshuffle is not about service delivery or good governance.
“It is shameful that Simelane’s questionable personal loan and connections to looted funds have not disqualified her from leadership. This government has no moral compass. The people of South Africa are subjected to constant betrayals, while those accused of plundering public resources are rewarded with new roles,” the party said.