The Democratic Alliance (DA) has ramped up its calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the status of Minister Thembi Simelane following her recent appearance before the African National Congress (ANC) Integrity Commission. Simelane faced the commission on September 25, pleading her innocence against allegations of profiting from the collapse of the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.
Simelane is accused of having improperly benefited from VBS Bank, which imploded in 2018 amidst a major corruption and fraud scandal. She has repeatedly denied the allegations, and during her meeting with the ANC’s Integrity Commission, she presented what she claims to be exculpatory evidence.
Despite this, the DA has expressed concern over Ramaphosa’s silence on the matter. DA spokesperson Siviwe Gwarube criticized the president, stating, “It is unacceptable for the president to remain silent on such a critical matter. The South African people deserve transparency, and they deserve to know the integrity of those leading the country.”
Gwarube also stressed that Minister Simelane holds public office, making the case not just an internal party issue but a national concern. She called for Ramaphosa to act decisively, warning that his continued silence risks undermining his administration’s promises to combat corruption.
The ANC’s Integrity Commission is still reviewing Simelane’s submissions and is expected to make recommendations to the party’s leadership. However, the DA believes that this internal process is inadequate given the gravity of the situation. “Waiting on an ANC process alone is insufficient. The public deserves to know if their leaders are tainted by corruption,” Gwarube added.
Criticism of Ramaphosa’s perceived reluctance to act swiftly in cases involving ANC leaders has intensified. The DA argues that this inaction sends the wrong message, fueling perceptions that the president is either unwilling or unable to hold his ministers accountable.
The ANC has not yet commented on Simelane’s future, and the DA has pledged to continue applying pressure, even considering additional parliamentary actions if Ramaphosa does not respond soon. With the Integrity Commission’s findings pending, the outcome of this case could test the president’s commitment to transparency and accountability, with potential far-reaching consequences for his administration’s public standing.
