President Ramaphosa’s Cabinet Reshuffle: Thembi Simelane Redeployed Amid Corruption Allegations.
(The Post News)- President Cyril Ramaphosa’s latest Cabinet reshuffle has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition parties questioning his commitment to accountability and transparency. The move, announced on December 3, 2024, saw Minister Thembi Simelane, embroiled in allegations of corruption, reassigned from the Justice and Constitutional Development portfolio to Human Settlements, while Mmamoloko Kubayi swapped roles to take over Simelane’s former position.
President Ramaphosa justified the reshuffle as a measure to “ensure the effectiveness of Cabinet in delivering its mandate” under section 91(2) of the Constitution in his statement. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Action SA argue that the redeployment of Simelane, who faces allegations stemming from her time as Polokwane mayor, is a slap in the face of justice and accountability.
In August, reports by Daily Maverick revealed that Simelane allegedly received R575,600 during her time as Polokwane mayor from VBS-linked Gundo Wealth Solutions, a company owned by Ralliom Razwinane, who is facing trial for fraud and money laundering. This association led to calls for her suspension earlier this year, particularly from Action SA, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the DA.
However, instead of being removed, she has been reassigned, a decision the DA’s spokesperson, Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach, described as “short-sighted and disrespectful to South Africa” in a statement released by the DA. The DA expressed outrage at Simelane’s redeployment, stating that “Simelane does not belong in Cabinet, end of story.” Action SA leader Herman Mashaba labelled the reshuffle “a cowardly move.”
In his announcement, President Ramaphosa remained optimistic about the reshuffle, wishing the appointees well in their new roles as the changes to the national executive are effective immediately.
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