Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has renewed its call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, following an alleged significant expansion of a corruption investigation against her.
The Hawks’ probe, which initially focused on allegations of R2 million in tender fraud from her time as municipal manager at Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality in Limpopo, has reportedly now ballooned into an R80 million scandal, raising serious concerns about governance and accountability at the highest levels of government.
Unauthorised expenditure worth R80 million forms part of the expanded fraud and corruption investigation into Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni as authorities tighten the noose on the high-ranking politician. | @khayakoko88
— News24 🇿🇦 (@News24) February 24, 2025
DA MP and spokesperson on State Security, Dianne Kohler Barnard, has raised alarm over Ntshavheni’s continued presence in the Cabinet, particularly given her unrestricted access to classified state intelligence.
“This person has full access into the most secret of secret dealings of the State Security Agency. So really, one can’t be shocked at our call to remove her,” Kohler Barnard said during an interview with SAfm Current Affairs.
“We’re talking about morphing from R2.5 million to an R80 million fraud and corruption investigation being done by the Hawks. And we did write to the president just over a month ago, yet we simply got a receipt of the letter.”
[LISTEN] Dianne Kohler Barnard MP and DA Spokesperson on State Security elaborates on their call for the firing of Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
🔗 Listen to the full interview
She further pointed out that Ntshavheni’s close ties to Ramaphosa make it unlikely that the president will take decisive action, despite the gravity of the allegations.
“He’s known to be very close with the minister, who seems to serve as the Cabinet’s spokesperson. She has access to every piece of information, and yet we have her under this major investigation – it’s a huge cause of concern,” Kohler Barnard said.
Political fallout and Ramaphosa’s silence
The DA’s latest demand places further pressure on Ramaphosa, who has been criticized for his cautious approach to handling corruption allegations within his administration.
The silence from the Presidency on Ntshavheni’s case is likely to fuel opposition criticism ahead of the upcoming general elections, where the ANC is already facing declining public trust and internal divisions.
While the Hawks continue their investigation, Ntshavheni has yet to respond publicly to the latest developments. The Presidency has also remained mum on whether Ramaphosa will take action or allow due process to unfold.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
