MK Party accuses Ramaphosa of failing to act against ministers accused of alleged corruption

JOHANNESBURG - The official opposition, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of protecting his own African National Congress (ANC) party members in Cabinet and failing to act against ministers accused of alleged corruption.

Political parties used Ramaphosa’s Presidency budget vote debate to also repeat calls for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s dismissal for his alleged links to police interference and misleading Parliament.

READ: Ramaphosa puts Mchunu on leave of absence, inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi's allegations 

Ramaphosa tabled the Presidency budget on Wednesday, which detailed the Presidency’s spending plans and priorities for the year.

Ramaphosa, in his speech, said that for the country to effectively tackle its challenges, it needs to build a capable state with institutions that are resistant to corruption or interference.

But MK Party parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, questioned this, saying Ramaphosa has failed to punish those implicated in corruption and interference in his Cabinet, like Mchunu.

KwaZulu-Natal provincial Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, alleged that Mchunu interfered in investigations related to the political killings task team.  

“Other ANC ministers who have damning allegations levelled against them are simply moved to different portfolios. This inconsistency reeks of selective morality. It shows that protecting your faction is more important to you than protecting the people of this country.”

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane asked Ramaphosa to show his seriousness about corruption and take decisive action against Mchunu. 

ALSO READ: EFF seeks clarity from Ramaphosa concerning suspension of Police Minister Mchunu