Cape Town — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) have reacted to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to reshuffle Justice Minister, Thembi Simelane.
Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first cabinet shuffle, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA took issue with the decision to offer Simelane a ‘lifeline’ after her reshuffle to Minister of Human Settlements amid the allegations surrounding her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank saga.
South Africa’s two biggest political opposition parties, the EFF and MK Party, have also expressed disappointment with Ramaphosa’s call to allow Simelane to remain in his cabinet.
“The EFF condemns the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Cyril Ramaphosa as yet another pointless exercise that will do nothing to address the suffering of the people of South Africa,” EFF spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Mathys said in a statement.
The EFF added that the “unnecessary musical chairs” of corrupt ministers is a misdirection of resources. The party was also concerned that the DA-ANC coalition was failing to prioritise the real problems facing South Africans.
“The only cabinet reshuffle that will bring any meaningful change to the lives of our people is the removal of his bloated and corrupt government,” Mathys added.
The party explained that Simelane’s appointment, despite the unresolved allegations, indicates the reshuffle is not about 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,” she said.
The EFF reiterates that deputy ministerial positions serve no purposes other than to reward political loyalty and secure salaries for the connected elite.
The EFF Statement on Cabinet Reshuffle
-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 this reshuffle is not about service delivery or good… pic.twitter.com/MBbCWlDIog
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) December 4, 2024
The MK party released a statement exposing the “real agenda” behind Simelane’s reshuffling, explaining it was a calculated move to silence a leader. MK believes that Simelane’s reshuffle is an attempt against renewing National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head, SHamila Batohi.
“Under Batohi’s leadership, the NPA has repeatedly failed to deliver justices in cases related to so-called State Capture. This is because South African courts rely on concrete evidence to secure convictions,” MK spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said.
Ndhlela said Simelane raised concern over the key appointments within the NPA, particularly individuals who lacked the necessary security clearances. The party also criticised Ramaphosa for his decision to remove Simelane, citing his control to shield his administration from scrutiny.
“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 made her a target for an administration determined to stifle dissent,”
The Party called on South Africans to look through the calculated political manoeuvre as Justice cannot be served through factional battles.
[MEDIA STATEMENT]: uMKHONTO weSIZWE PARTY EXPOSES THE REAL AGENDA BEHIND THE REMOVAL OF
MINISTER THEMBI SIMELANE. pic.twitter.com/A5CZO7nj41— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) December 4, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
