‘Step down’ – EFF, DA call for action against Ntshavheni over tender corruption

Sudan

Cape Town – The DA and the EFF have called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, following reports that the Hawks have concluded their investigation into a R2.5 million tender corruption case dating back to 2009.

In 2021, the Hawks launched an investigation into Ntshavheni’s involvement in the irregular awarding of a R2.5 million tender for accounting consultancy services while she was the municipal manager of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality in July 2009, News24 reported. 

The EFF criticised Ntshavheni for evading accountability for years and described her actions in the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality as indicative of the broader issues with local government corruption in South Africa.

“For decades, Ntshavheni has been safe under Cyril Ramaphosa’s patronage as his lieutenant. She has avoided accountability for her numerous scandals over the years because of her close association with the President,” the EFF said in a statement.

“Ntshavheni now sits as a Minister in the Presidency, responsible for government communications and the State Security Agency (SSA). She sits on the war chest behind Ramaphosa’s political influence in the form of the SSA’s operational funds, which are not accounted for and have in the past been used to fund internal political campaigns within the African National Congress (ANC).”

Meanwhile, the DA has urged Ramaphosa to immediately remove Ntshavheni from her Cabinet position.

DA spokesperson Dianne Kohler Barnard emphasided that members of the executive must be beyond reproach, especially given Ntshavheni’s leadership of the State Security Agency.

“We call on her to step down immediately. Failing which, the President must relieve her of her duties,” the DA said in a statement.

“This is yet another example of an ANC Minister in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet who he needs to remove for allegations of corruption. Either he was not aware of these allegations, which would be an indictment in itself, or he was aware, which would raise damning questions as to his duty of care as head of the executive.”

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