The Democratic Alliance (DA) has intensified its call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, following revelations that the criminal investigation into her alleged misconduct has expanded to encompass unauthorized expenditures totaling R80 million.
“The fact that President Ramaphosa has dilly-dallied for so long on this most serious matter of a corruption-accused and investigated minister in his Cabinet underscores how urgent it is that Parliament have a Portfolio Committee overseeing the Presidency,” stated Dianne Kohler Barnard, DA Spokesperson on State Security.
The DA emphasises the necessity of establishing this oversight committee to ensure accountability within the Presidency, aligning with recommendations from the Zondo Commission.
The National Assembly’s Rules Committee adopted a rule to establish such a portfolio committee, aiming to enhance scrutiny over presidential affairs.
“She has said and done nothing publicly to clear her name, and based on her refusal to bring the public into her confidence, and the seriousness of the accusations, she must go,” Kohler Barnard asserted.
Concerns are heightened by Minister Ntshavheni’s access to sensitive state security information, given her current position. The DA previously communicated with President Ramaphosa, urging him to dismiss her; however, the only response received was an acknowledgment of the correspondence.
“We are concerned that President Ramaphosa is well known to be very close to this minister—who serves as the Cabinet Spokesperson,” Barnard added.
The DA remains steadfast in its commitment to hold accountable those who compromise South Africa’s interests through corrupt practices.
