The call for the immediate suspension of Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has intensified, with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) now joining the growing chorus of voices demanding accountability. This latest push comes amid serious allegations of tender corruption during Ntshavheni’s tenure as Municipal Manager of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. The allegations center on a R2.5 million tender scandal, which was investigated by the Hawks, South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit. The investigation has now been concluded, and the matter has been handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for potential prosecution.
Despite the conclusion of the Hawks’ investigation, Ntshavheni continues to hold her influential role in the Presidency, overseeing state intelligence. This has sparked significant concern, particularly from the MK Party, which argues that her continued position in the government poses a significant risk. The party warned that her access to sensitive intelligence could allow her to interfere with law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities, undermining the integrity of ongoing investigations.
In a strongly worded statement, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela condemned the government’s handling of the matter, accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa of practicing a “selective application of accountability.” Ndhlela argued that while Ramaphosa quickly takes action against those on the fringes of the ANC or those who do not align with his faction, he appears to shield allies like Ntshavheni, despite the serious nature of the allegations against her.
“The continued presence of Minister Ntshavheni in the Presidency is both untenable and dangerous. It provides her access to sensitive information, which could lead to interference in the work of law enforcement and the NPA,” Ndhlela said. The MK Party’s criticism of the President’s actions (or lack thereof) highlights a growing frustration within the political landscape over what many perceive as a double standard in the ANC’s approach to corruption allegations.
The call for Ntshavheni’s suspension is not an isolated demand. The Democratic Alliance (DA) also recently wrote a letter to President Ramaphosa urging him to apply the ANC’s step-aside rule to Ntshavheni. This rule, which calls for the suspension of party members facing corruption or criminal charges, has been a contentious issue within the ANC, with critics arguing that it is selectively enforced. The DA’s call for action underscores the mounting pressure on the President to address the allegations against Ntshavheni, who is also facing criticism for her handling of various government departments.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has added its voice to the controversy, calling for Ntshavheni’s immediate removal from her position. In a statement, the EFF expressed its concern about the corruption charges against the Minister and criticized the ANC for failing to take decisive action. The party’s statement reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the ANC’s approach to corruption and its failure to hold senior officials accountable, despite serious and often well-documented allegations.
As the investigation into Ntshavheni’s alleged misconduct moves into the legal phase with the NPA, the political pressure on President Ramaphosa is likely to intensify. Critics are now asking whether the President will continue to protect allies like Ntshavheni, or whether he will take meaningful steps to address corruption within his ranks. With the opposition parties and factions within the ruling ANC increasingly vocal in their demands for accountability, the political fallout from this scandal could reverberate through the corridors of power, potentially affecting the President’s standing within his own party and in the broader political landscape.
Ntshavheni’s case has become a litmus test for the Ramaphosa administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and upholding transparency. The next steps in this saga will be closely watched, not only for the legal ramifications but also for the broader implications for the ANC and its handling of corruption allegations. As the nation waits for the NPA to decide whether to prosecute, the political storm surrounding Ntshavheni is far from over.
