The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has launched a scathing attack on Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, referring him to Parliament’s Ethics Committee for allegedly lying about employing an unqualified advisor in his office. The EFF accuses Steenhuisen of deliberately misleading Parliament and the public about the advisor’s credentials, calling for immediate accountability.
The controversy stems from allegations that Steenhuisen knowingly appointed an advisor who lacked the necessary qualifications for the position, a move that the EFF claims is part of a broader culture of cronyism in government. According to reports, the advisor was hired for a high-level role in the ministry despite not meeting the criteria for the job, leading to questions about Steenhuisen’s judgment and integrity.
EFF leader Julius Malema did not hold back in his criticism of Steenhuisen, accusing the minister of betraying the public’s trust. “This is yet another example of how the ruling class places their cronies in key positions, while qualified South Africans are left out in the cold. Steenhuisen must answer for this blatant misuse of power,” Malema said. He further lambasted the minister for what he described as a pattern of dishonesty and unethical conduct in government.
The referral to the Ethics Committee is part of the EFF’s broader strategy to hold ministers accountable for misconduct, especially in cases where public trust is undermined. Malema emphasized that this case is not just about one unqualified individual but about the systemic failures in leadership that allow such appointments to happen. “We cannot allow ministers to get away with lies and deceit. It’s time we clean up the government,” Malema added.
The EFF has referred Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to Ethics Committee for lying about unqualified advisor in his office.
Julius Malema comments on that. #EFFPresser pic.twitter.com/Fdt2acurTE
— m a s h è s h a 💨 (@_mashesha) October 10, 2024
Steenhuisen, who has denied the allegations, is expected to appear before the Ethics Committee to provide an explanation. However, the damage to his reputation may already be done, as the EFF continues to pressure him to step down from his position. This latest political showdown could have significant implications for Steenhuisen’s future in government as opposition parties unite in their demand for transparency and ethics in public office.