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EFF, MKP Criticize Ramaphosa’s Cabinet Reshuffle as Political Power Play
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have both strongly criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent cabinet reshuffle, accusing him of diverting attention from South Africa’s pressing challenges.
Announced on Tuesday, the reshuffle saw Thembi Simelane appointed as Minister of Human Settlements, Mamokolo Kubayi reassigned to the Ministry of Justice, Phumzile Magcina promoted to Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala moved to Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour. However, both the EFF and MKP argue that these changes are more about rewarding political loyalty than addressing South Africa’s critical issues like healthcare, sanitation, and education.
Leigh-Ann Mathys, spokesperson for the EFF, condemned the reshuffle as “musical chairs” involving “incompetent and corrupt officials.” She argued that the decision wastes resources that could be better spent on improving basic services. Mathys also criticized Simelane’s appointment due to her unresolved corruption allegations tied to the VBS Bank scandal. She suggested that this reshuffle further entrenches a “bloated and corrupt government.”
Meanwhile, MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela framed Simelane’s removal as a politically motivated attempt to silence a principled leader. According to Ndhlela, Simelane’s firm stance against renewing Advocate Shamila Batohi’s term as National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) played a role in her removal. The MKP argued that Batohi’s leadership had been ineffective in securing convictions in high-profile state capture cases, which they believe stems from politically driven narratives.
Both parties contend that the reshuffle is a power play aimed at protecting the interests of a political elite, rather than addressing the real needs of South Africa’s citizens. The EFF calls for the removal of the DA-ANC coalition government, while the MKP demands leadership that prioritizes the people’s interests over political survival.
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