President Cyril Ramaphosa finds himself once again facing mounting scrutiny over the alleged misconduct of two members of his Cabinet.
Image: GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa finds himself once again facing mounting scrutiny over the alleged misconduct of two members of his Cabinet.
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe and Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie are under fire, prompting renewed calls for action and investigations into their conduct.
The situation is exacerbated by recent controversies, including the special leave of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu following his directive that disbanded the Political Killings Task Team, and the swift dismissal of former Higher Education minister Nobuhle Nkabane due to her mishandling of appointments within educational bodies.
In this context, the spotlight now turns to Tolashe and McKenzie, whose alleged wrongdoings have ignited debate among opposition parties and analysts alike.
Tolashe, the president of the ANC Women’s League, is accused of misleading Parliament regarding the donation of two SUVs, purportedly from Chinese officials to the league — a donation that the league itself claims to have no knowledge of.
This latest issue is compounded by Tolashe's history of scrutiny; she previously faced criticism for appointing a reportedly underqualified personal assistant and for delivering conflicting explanations on various matters before Parliament.
DA MP Nazley Sharif described the surrounding controversy as overwhelming, emphasising that Tolashe needs to explain her actions.
Sharif has signalled that the DA will lodge a complaint with Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, accusing Tolashe of breaching the Executive Ethics Code and failing to uphold legal standards in her management of the former director-general Peter Netshipale’s contract.
She also said further concerns arise from conflicting explanations provided by Tolashe regarding the terms of Netshipale’s contract, as well as reports that the authenticity of a related contract letter is under investigation.
“Taken together, these issues point to a pattern of conduct that raises serious questions about the minister’s fitness to hold office.”
ActionSA MP Dereleen James has called for Tolashe's immediate dismissal, citing her alleged role in a cover-up concerning the vehicles from Chinese officials.
James noted that the vehicles were not declared by Tolashe to Parliament, and the apparent “gift” necessitates urgent investigation, as it is highly irregular for a minister to receive two luxury vehicles from foreign government officials under any circumstances..
“ActionSA believes that the minister’s actions, which may well carry criminal implications, are simply unacceptable and warrant her immediate dismissal. If the President has any regard for the institution his appointed minister has so clearly disrespected, he must act without delay,” she said.
PA leader Gayton McKenzie has firmly denied drug and criminal allegations, calling them politically motivated. He says claims have resurfaced around every election cycle and insists he has nothing to hide.
Image: File / Supplied
Ramaphosa’s inaction regarding McKenzie is also a point of contention.
Facing allegations of intimidation and drug trade links, which McKenzie has categorically denied, opposition groups are insisting that he be held accountable in Parliament and that the Madlanga Commission spearhead an investigation.
“The MK Party calls on President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, to suspend Mr Gayton McKenzie to allow for fair investigations amid the wake of the allegations,” said spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
No comment was obtained from the Presidency, but political analysts said there was public frustration over perceived misconduct by ministers.
Professor Sipho Seepe said the growing calls for Ramaphosa to take decisive action against ministers accused of misconduct stemmed from years of public frustration with a persistent pattern that has allowed those found guilty of wrongdoing to escape without meaningful sanction.
“Many of these calls demand nothing less than the expulsion of the individuals implicated,” Seepe said.
However, he said it was essential to assess the severity of each case.
“Minor transgressions may warrant a formal reprimand and public apology, while more serious offences could justify salary deductions. In the most egregious instances, expulsion or removal from the office may be appropriate.”
Seepe noted that Parliament can hold the ministers accountable for their actions, and at the same time, Ramaphosa is not known for bold or decisive leadership.
“He tends to take shelter behind the principle of due process, often allowing investigations and public scrutiny to tarnish an individual’s reputation to the point where he can credibly claim that he had no choice but to act,” said Seepe.
Professor Andre Duvenhage said there was merit to the demands made to Ramaphosa regarding the two ministers.
“I believe if normal rules were applicable, these people must be put on leave, they must have an investigation, and the outcome of the investigation must decide their position,” Duvenhage said.
He, however, said it was a bit more difficult, especially when it comes to McKenzie, because he is part of a Government of National Unity, which has its own dynamics.
Duvenhage also said Ramaphosa was extremely inconsistent when it comes to decisions and pointed to his handling of Mchunu’s situation.
“I think he needs to act, especially if he wants to keep credibility, and he has made so many promises about taking proper action, but we know the history is telling us quite the opposite,” he added.
mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za