Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

08 October 2024

3-minute read

GNU Partners are putting pressure on Pres Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against Justice Minister Thembi Simelane.

Athol Trollope from Action SA stated that President Ramaphosa is “reluctant to act against anyone in his cabinet” despite his stance on fighting corruption. Although President Ramaphosa recently summoned Justice Minister Thembi Simelane to discuss the “so-called” loan she took, it came to light that the matter had been discussed with the president 3 years ago. “The delay in dealing with this matter is all the more concerning,” said Trollope.

Although the Minister of Justice should be beyond reproach; this matter is causing “much reproach” in the public’s eye. Explanations in her defense in her one appearance before the Justice Portfolio Committee were very vague. Compounding the issue are allegations that the loan agreement that has been found appears to have been back-dated, and Action SA feels that the President needs to intervene in order to “put this matter to bed”.

Trollope laid criminal charges against the Minister after the Public Protector showed no inclination to investigate the case. The Hawks have indicated that they will investigate, but this will take time, and in this period, “her trust is being compromised”.

According to Trollope, the GNU partners were initially very quiet on the Simelane matter and Action SA was the first party to respond and the only party continuously putting pressure on the President to summon the Minister of Justice. The GNU is a grand coalition of 10 parties and there is contestation of how much pressure one party can put on another. Members of the GNU are succumbing to the luxuries of being in the cabinet, yet continue to hold the ANC to account.

Another pressing issue is the resignation or withdrawal of Judge Hlope, who was nominated by the MK Party to the JSC and endorsed by the majority in parliament and is now resigning from the position. Parliament will now have to endorse another candidate to fill that position.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat.