DA's Ultimatum to Ramaphosa: Fire Corrupt Ministers or Face Consequences

The real Commander in Chief SA President Cyril Ramaphosa

The gloves are off in the GNU battles, and the DA is pulling no punches. After failing to recall Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero and remove Tshwane Council Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana, the DA has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Cyril Ramaphosa: fire several ANC-linked ministers and deputy ministers implicated in corruption or face the consequences.

The DA's leader, John Steenhuisen, slammed Ramaphosa's decision to remove DA member Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, calling it a "calculated political assault" on the DA. Steenhuisen accused Ramaphosa of applying double standards, allowing corrupt ministers to remain in office while firing Whitfield over a minor issue.

The DA has specifically named three ministers and deputy ministers who must be fired are Human Settlements Thembi Simelane implicated in the VBS looting scandal, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane accused of misleading Parliament over an attempt to deploy corrupt cadres to SETA boards and Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo implicated in state capture.

Steenhuisen said that the DA will not tolerate corruption and will take all necessary steps to ensure that those implicated are held accountable. "We will not stand idly by while corrupt ministers and deputy ministers are allowed to remain in office," he said.

The DA has recently suffered several setbacks in its efforts to hold the ANC accountable. In Johannesburg, the DA's motion to recall Mayor Dada Morero was defeated, with 144 councillors voting in favor of Morero, 75 against, and 43 abstaining. ActionSA, a key coalition partner, chose to abstain, citing a lack of consultation and concerns about political instability.

Similarly, in Tshwane, the DA's motion to remove Council Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana was defeated, with 114 councillors backing him, 82 voting against, and one abstaining. The EFF and ActionSA, both coalition partners, dismissed the motion as a "baseless, senseless, and jealousy-driven attempt" to derail the administration.

The DA's ultimatum is a test of power and a demonstration of the party's commitment to fighting corruption. Will Ramaphosa comply with the DA's demands, or will the coalition government face further instability? The clock is ticking.

Steenhuisen said that the DA is prepared for all eventualities and will take all necessary steps to ensure that the government is held accountable. "We will not be intimidated or deterred from our mission to fight corruption and ensure that those responsible are held accountable," he said.

The implications of the DA's ultimatum are far-reaching. If Ramaphosa fails to comply, it could lead to further instability in the coalition government and potentially even the collapse of the GNU. On the other hand, if Ramaphosa does comply, it could be seen as a victory for the DA and a demonstration of the party's influence.

As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Ramaphosa and the ANC. Will they comply with the DA's demands, or will they call the DA's bluff? The outcome is far from certain, but one thing is clear the DA is determined to fight corruption and hold the government accountable.