The African National Congress’ (ANC) Head of Presidency, Sibongile Besani, has defended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership – saying he has not lost control in the handling of government. Uncertainty remains in the political sector over whether Ramaphosa will conduct a cabinet reshuffle.
Pressure continues to mount for Ramaphosa to reshuffle his cabinet over the country’s recent violent unrest, as well as allegations of tender irregularities in the Department of Health.
Besani says Ramaphosa may take action in due time to ensure accountability is upheld.
“No, the president is not losing control. The fact that he has not acted does not mean he has failed to act. I think he could be considering action in one way or another and I think it is just a matter of time when the president will be able to act and explain whatever form of action. The president has insisted that accountability and consequence management should never be left unattended so in that context, we want to believe that the president will take action,” says Besani.
President Ramaphosa addresses the nation on outbreaks of violence
Earlier, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen clarified media reports that he said he wanted to be a part of Ramaphosa’s cabinet. The official opposition leader, has told SABC News that he has no interest in working in Ramphosa’s cabinet.
Steenhuisen however says that the DA would like to partner with government in providing solutions to the ongoing economic crisis in the country.
“I’ve never once said I would serve in the president’s cabinet, I would find it very difficult to serve in a cabinet where I will work with some of the people where the president has around the table. But I did say the DA stands ready to be a partner with government to rebuild to grow and ensure that we get South Africa into a new trajectory. We have done it already in Parliament with the Public Protector vote we need reforms that are going to help us grow the economy, have people working again and create business and jobs and fight corruption – we will be their best partner,” says Steenhuisen.
DA leader John Steenhuisen says Ramaphosa let down by his cabinet
