He will wait for official reports from the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee before speaking out on the contentious matter of dissolving the Presidential Keep Them Tight Task Team (PKTT). Preliminary judgements would only serve to ignite speculation, but Ramaphosa promised reporters that transparency will continue to be a primary priority after Monday’s Cabinet meeting.
The president has promised an honest and forceful response once he has reviewed the reports. It is the responsibility of our democratic society to allow the process of due process to unfold. Given that the minister of police, Senzo Mchunu, recently admitted to having informed Ramaphosa of the task team’s disbandment, his measured response is expected in light of this development.
Political parties and human rights organisations, among others, have accused the government of covertly dismantling the PKTT earlier this year, despite the fact that the unit was responsible for combating organised crime in the country. Rumour has it that Ramaphosa is attempting to defuse tensions within the party by staying silent on the issue, which has led to further animosity, according to ANC sources. Some regard his wait-and-see attitude as a shield against criticism, while others see it as an attempt to heighten suspicions of presidential influence.
South Africans will have to hold tight until official conclusions and Ramaphosa’s final statement are announced to find out whether this chapter will bring an end to it or spark a new political battle.