Cyril Ramaphosa Reshuffles Cabinet
In a surprising late-night Cabinet reshuffle, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a significant shift in his Government of National Unity (GNU). Thembi Simelane, formerly the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Human Settlements. This decision follows months of scrutiny over her involvement in questionable dealings with the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.
Simelane’s Controversial Tenure as Justice Minister
Simelane’s tenure as Justice Minister was marred by allegations of corruption linked to VBS Mutual Bank. Investigations in August 2024 revealed that in 2016 while serving as the mayor of Polokwane, Thembi Simelane accepted a “loan” of R575,600 from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a company tied to VBS. This loan was reportedly used to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton, raising concerns about ethical misconduct.
Gundo Wealth Solutions, owned by Ralliom Razwinane, was instrumental in brokering the illegal investment of R349 million from the Polokwane Municipality into VBS. Razwinane, who is currently on trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering, allegedly received R24.2 million in kickbacks for facilitating these transactions.
Mounting Pressure and Calls for Accountability
The exposé placed immense pressure on Ramaphosa to act decisively. Calls for Simelane’s resignation grew louder, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA branding her position as a conflict of interest. As Justice Minister, Simelane oversaw the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which is investigating the collapse of VBS, further complicating her position.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also demanded her resignation, citing the gravity of the allegations. Despite her insistence before Parliament’s justice committee in September that the loan was above board, public trust had already eroded.
Ramaphosa’s Reshuffle: A Controversial Move
On Tuesday night, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, justified the reshuffle as a move to enhance Cabinet effectiveness under Section 91(2) of the Constitution. Mmamoloko Kubayi has been appointed as the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, while Simelane takes over the Human Settlements portfolio.
However, critics, including DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach, condemned the decision. “Ramaphosa’s redeployment of Simelane is short-sighted and disrespectful to South Africans,” Breytenbach stated, emphasizing that simply moving Simelane to a different department does not address the underlying corruption allegations. She stressed that the Human Settlements Ministry, tasked with providing housing to millions, requires a leader with integrity.
Broader Implications for the GNU and 2024 Elections
The reshuffle highlights the delicate balancing act Ramaphosa faces in maintaining unity within the GNU while addressing public demands for accountability. His commitment to anti-corruption has been called into question, with critics arguing that the redeployment reflects indecisiveness rather than decisive action against corruption.
The move comes as South Africa gears up for the 2024 general elections, with coalition politics expected to play a critical role. The decision to reshuffle rather than remove Simelane may influence voter perceptions of the ANC’s stance on corruption, especially as opposition parties continue to highlight the party’s internal challenges.
Additional Cabinet Appointments
In addition to Simelane’s redeployment, Ramaphosa made other key appointments:
- Phumzile Mgcina was appointed Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, moving from her role in the Labour and Employment Department.
- Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala became the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour.
President Ramaphosa’s latest Cabinet reshuffle has sparked heated debate. While it may temporarily ease tensions within the GNU, the unresolved allegations against Thembi Simelane will likely continue to fuel public skepticism. As South Africa approaches the 2024 elections, Ramaphosa’s handling of this controversy will remain under intense scrutiny, with implications for his administration’s credibility and the ANC’s electoral prospects.
