Amid unresolved corruption allegations, Themba Simelane's new role raises questions about the government’s commitment to good governance and transparency
Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Media
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have both condemned President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent cabinet reshuffle, with both parties arguing that it serves as a distraction from the real crises facing South Africa.
Both parties claim that the reshuffle prioritises political loyalty over effective governance and service delivery.
The reshuffle, announced on Tuesday, saw Thembi Simelane appointed as Minister of Human Settlements, Mamokolo Kubayi shifted to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development, Phumzile Magcina promoted to Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala moved to Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour.
The EFF, through its spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys, argued that the reshuffle was merely “musical chairs” of incompetent and corrupt officials.
Mathys stated: “This unnecessary reshuffle of corrupt and incompetent ministers and deputy ministers is a blatant misdirection of resources that could be used to deliver basic services such as water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.”
Mathys emphasised that the reshuffle was a reward for political cronies rather than an effort to solve critical issues such as poor healthcare, contaminated water, and unsafe sanitation.
She further pointed to the controversial appointment of Simelane who has unresolved corruption allegations against her, related to the VBS Bank scandal.
“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," Mathys said.
She concluded that the reshuffle was part of a larger scheme to sustain a “bloated and corrupt government” rather than address the needs of the South African people.
Meanwhile, the MKP's spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela framed Simelane’s removal as a politically motivated act aimed at silencing a principled leader.
Ndhlela stated: “This decision is not about ensuring a more effective cabinet, but is a calculated move to silence a principled leader who refuses to align Ramaphosa’s factional and self-serving agenda.”
The MKP argued that Simelane’s principled stance against renewing advocate Shamila Batohi’s term as National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) was a key factor in her removal.
Under Batohi’s leadership, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has faced criticism for its failure to secure convictions in state capture cases, which the MKP contends is due to a reliance on gossip and politically driven narratives rather than solid evidence.
Ndhlela accused Ramaphosa of consolidating power over the justice system to protect his administration.
“Ramaphosa’s decision to remove Simelane reveals his true intentions: consolidating control over the justice system while shielding his administration from scrutiny,” he said.
Both parties argue that this reshuffle is not about improving governance or addressing South Africa’s pressing challenges but about securing political power for a few elites.
The EFF calls for the removal of the DA-ANC coalition government, while the MKP demands leadership that prioritises the people’s interests over political survival.
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