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Once again the Government of National Unity (GNU) marriage is facing problems emanating from clashing principles and morality. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa fire one of his ANC ministers with immediate effect.
Reacting to news that the Department of Social Development has suspended Ngwako Kgatla, a special adviser to Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe with immediate effect, the GNU partner is calling for the sacking of the minister with immediate effect saying she is bringing the GNU into disrepute.
The DA Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says he has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa calling for the immediate removal of Tolashe from the national executive, following a growing series of serious allegations against her.
In an irate tone, Hill-Lewis says “the Government of National Unity must be held to a higher standard of accountability, integrity and clean government. South Africans did not vote for a continuation of weak accountability and political protection. They voted for change, seriousness and a government that acts when public trust is compromised.”
According to the Spokesperson for the department Sandy Godlwana, Kgatla’s suspension seeks to afford the Department an opportunity to conduct thorough investigation into the Public Service Commission (PSC) findings. She said Mr Kgatla is suspended with full salary while the Department commits to investigating and finalise the matter. The Department is also setting in motion the disciplinary hearing process.
Kgatla is suspended for allegedly being involved in the irregular appointment of his niece as chief of staff to Tolashe. He allegedly falsified his niece’s CV to make her appear qualified for a post she was not qualified for.
“The Department views the alleged misconduct seriously, as it remains committed to handling and finalising the investigation process by following due investigation processes and ensuring fairness,” said Godlwana.
The DA Leader is however putting pressure on Ramaphosa demanding Tolashe’s head on a silver platter immediately.
“Minister Tolashe faces serious allegations that are not minor political controversies. They strike directly at the standards expected of a member of Cabinet.
President Ramaphosa has previously shown that he is prepared to act where the continued presence of a Minister undermines confidence in public office. That principle cannot now be applied selectively. The standard for remaining in Cabinet is not the same as the standard for criminal conviction,” said Geordin Hill-Lewis.
“Ministers must be able to lead their departments with credibility, integrity and public confidence. South Africa cannot have a Minister responsible for social development operating under a growing cloud of allegations involving personal benefit, family enrichment and the possible misuse of public resources.
The Department of Social Development serves pensioners, children, people with disabilities, grant beneficiaries and families who depend on the state in moments of deep hardship. It must be an example of care, integrity and service.
The GNU cannot ask South Africans to believe in reform while tolerating conduct that undermines it. The difference between the DA and the ANC is that we do not treat accountability selectively. Where the ANC has too often protects compromised leaders until public pressure made their positions impossible, the DA believes clean government requires early, decisive action when public trust is at stake.
This is the standard we apply in governments we lead, and it is the standard we will continue to demand in the Government of National Unity,” concluded Hill-Lewis.
