Cape Town – Minister of Correctional Services and former Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) leader Pieter Groenewald has resigned from all party leadership roles, citing the demands of his ministerial responsibilities and the upcoming 2026 local elections.
‘There are two reasons why I decided not to be available again. The one is that if I look at the minister and what I have to do, and as leader of the Freedom Front Plus, the work is just too much,’ Groenewald said during an interview with eNCA.
‘We must remember that in 2026 we are having a local government election, and I know from previous experiences that the election at local government level takes much more time than on a national or provincial level.’
Groenewald also emphasised the need for fresh leadership within the party, with younger members taking key positions.
‘The second reason is that We must make space for the young, upcoming new generation of leaders in the Freedom Front Plus. And that materialised,’ he said.
[ON AIR] Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has stepped down as Freedom Front Plus leader. Groenewald says he will focus on his position as a minister in the government of national unity. Tune in to #eNCA on channel #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/aOerU0GG2d
— eNCA (@eNCA) March 1, 2025
He pointed out the recent leadership transitions within the party, saying that 39-year-old Wouter Wessel had been appointed as the new chairperson, while Michael Groenewald, 41, took on the role of vice-chairperson.
‘So it is the new young generation that is coming to the fore. If you look at the statistics of the electoral commision of last year’s election, 42 percent of the registered voters were people between the ages of 18 and 39 years old. So those are the two reasons why I did not avail myself again as leader,’ the minister said.
Groenewald confirmed that the FF Plus supported his decision and that President Cyril Ramaphosa wanted him to continue as minister.
He also addressed challenges in the correctional system, including overcrowding, food shortages, and the financial burden of housing foreign prisoners.
Despite acknowledging systemic issues, he reassured the public that prison escape rates remain low.
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/freedom-front-plus-pushes-for-independent-western-cape/
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
