MK Party Complaint raises questions about accountability and ethical governance in South Africa. Image Credit: TimesLIVE
(The Post News) – The MK Party Complaint has taken center stage in South Africa’s political arena, with the party filing a formal grievance against President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister John Steenhuisen. The complaint alleges a violation of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act during their May visit to the United States, where they met former US President Donald Trump.
MK Party Complaint: Allegations of Breach of Ethics
According to MK Party spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi, the complaint is not about joining the Government of National Unity (GNU), but about holding leaders accountable. Manyi emphasized that Minister Steenhuisen misused his platform, saying he advanced a partisan agenda in a setting meant to reflect the collective position of South Africa’s cabinet.
Manyi stated that ministers are paid to represent the country, not their political parties, adding that wearing a “cabinet cap” while voicing DA positions is an abuse of office.
Ramaphosa Accused of Dereliction of Duty
Another major claim in the MK Party Complaint is that President Ramaphosa failed to correct Steenhuisen during the meeting, which MK argues undermines the dignity and neutrality of the executive branch. Manyi criticized Ramaphosa for “just smiling and doing nothing,” which he says amounts to dereliction of duty.
Impact on Political Stability and the Economy
The MK Party also argues that such characterizations of them and the EFF as rogue parties have economic consequences. According to Manyi, negative portrayals of opposition parties could scare off investors and weaken the rand. He said that MK Party members have sworn to uphold the constitution, and misrepresenting them undermines democracy.
Call for Apologies and Accountability
The MK Party Complaint demands that Steenhuisen retract his statements and issue a public apology to South Africans and the international community. Similarly, President Ramaphosa is urged to apologize for failing to exercise his constitutional authority. Manyi said that this issue is about facts, not rhetoric: “Did Steenhuisen misrepresent the cabinet position? Yes. Did Ramaphosa fail to act? Yes.”
Why This Matters
This case is more than a political squabble—it raises important questions about ethics in governance, accountability, and the role of cabinet members in international diplomacy. Whether or not the Public Protector rules in favor of the MK Party, the complaint has sparked debate across political and civil society.
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