President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing backlash from political parties following his decision to appoint Justice Minister Thembi Simelane as the new Minister of Human Settlements, a move critics have called “short-sighted and disrespectful” to the public.
In an unexpected move on Tuesday, Ramaphosa reshuffled his Government of National Unity (GNU) cabinet, making four changes to the executive. The adjustments are effective immediately, though the Presidency did not provide further details.
As part of the reshuffle, Mmamoloko Kubayi, the outgoing Human Settlements Minister, will take over as the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Political parties have strongly criticized Ramaphosa’s decision, especially given Simelane’s alleged involvement in the Venda Building Society (VBS) mutual bank scandal. Many had called for her removal from her position due to accusations of corruption.
Democratic Alliance MP Glynnis Breytenbach expressed concern, stating that although Simelane was removed from the Justice Ministry, her redeployment does not resolve the serious allegations of money laundering against her. “Human Settlements is crucial for housing South Africans and should be led by someone trustworthy,” Breytenbach said, questioning the President’s commitment to tackling corruption.
ActionSA MP Athol Trollip also criticized the reshuffle, calling it “cowardly” and reinforcing the view that Simelane’s position in the Cabinet had been untenable. He accused Ramaphosa of lacking the resolve to address corruption within his cabinet, highlighting ongoing concerns over his own involvement in the Phala Phala controversy.
Simelane is reportedly linked to a R575,600 “loan” from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a company connected to the illicit investments in the now-defunct VBS bank. She has denied any wrongdoing and recently told Parliament that she did not receive any funds from VBS.
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