Cabinet reshuffle: Thembi Simelane redeployed over VBS links?

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to remove Thembi Simelane as justice minister and redeploy her as minister in the Department of Human Settlements is short-sighted and disrespectful to South Africa.

Ramaphosa reshuffled his Cabinet, and the changes were announced on Tuesday evening. 

DA CRITICISES THE DECISION TO REDEPLOY THEMBI SIMELANE 

In August, the Daily Maverick reported that during her tenure as Polokwane mayor Simelane received R575 600 from VBS-linked broker Gundo Wealth Solutions to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton.

As previously reported the corrupt investment brokerage was owned by Ralliom Razwinane, who is currently on trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to his role in facilitating connections and “investments” between municipalities, including the Polokwane Municipality, and VBS.

After the news broke, Ramaphosa requested a report from Simelane about the allegations levelled against her. She has also appeared before the justice and constitutional development portfolio committee to answer for the dodgy loan. 

On 28 November, DA spokesperson on justice and constitutional development Glynnis Breytenbach confirmed that the party has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the Presidency to access Thembi Simelane’s report on her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.

The DA accused Ramaphosa of failing to take action against Simelane even though he received the report in September.

Following the reshuffling, Breytenbach said that while Ramaphosa has finally addressed the untenable conflict of interest of having a minister of justice accused of corruption, his decision to move her elsewhere simply does not address the underlying issue. 

“She stands accused of corruption and is subject to investigations.  Human settlements is a vital department for providing housing to South Africans. A credible individual must lead it.

FIRST GNU CABINET RESHUFFLE

On Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the changes have been made in order to ensure the effectiveness of Cabinet in delivering on its mandate and in accordance with section 91(2) of the Constitution.

Ramaphosa appointed Mmamoloko Kubayi, currently the Minister of Human Settlements, as the Minister of Justice and constitutional Development.

Thembi Nkadimeng, currently the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, has been appointed as the Minister of Human Settlements.

Phumzile Mgcina has been appointed the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Mgcina has been serving in the National Executive as the Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment.

Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala has been appointed the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour. 

Nemadzinga-Tshabalala has been serving in the National Executive as the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. 

DO YOU SUPPORT PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA’S DECISION TO TO REDEPLOY THEMBI SIMELANE?

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