Fikile Mbalula
By Thabo Mosia
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed on Friday that he is yet to receive the Integrity Commission’s report on allegations against Thembi Simelane, the former Minister of Justice who was recently redeployed to the Human Settlements portfolio. Simelane’s tenure as Polokwane mayor in 2016 has come under scrutiny following allegations that she received a loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a broker linked to the looting of the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank. While political parties have called for her to step aside, Mbalula emphasised that the ANC’s “step-aside” rule applies only when formal charges have been laid.
The Allegations Against Simelane
Simelane allegedly received a loan of R575,600 from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a financial services provider implicated in brokering “unlawful” investments worth R349 million into VBS Mutual Bank on behalf of various municipalities, including Polokwane. She has denied any involvement in the looting of VBS, stating that she neither benefited from the scandal nor had a role in appointing Gundo Wealth Solutions during her mayoral tenure.
In September 2024, Simelane appeared before the ANC Integrity Commission to address the allegations. However, the report on her case has not yet been submitted to the party leadership.
Mbalula defended the ANC’s stance, stating, “The ANC is guided by its principles of integrity and ethical leadership. At the present moment, the minister is not charged and has not been found guilty by any institution.”
Cabinet Reshuffle Sparks Controversy
This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a Cabinet reshuffle, moving Simelane from the Justice Ministry to Human Settlements. The decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties, civil society, and sections of the public.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) labelled the reshuffle “a musical chair of corrupt and incompetent ministers,” stating that it fails to address South Africa’s pressing challenges. The party argued that appointing Simelane to oversee a department with a R33 billion annual budget, while she is under a cloud of allegations, is a misstep.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) echoed similar sentiments. Luyolo Mphithi, the DA’s Spokesperson on Human Settlements, described the appointment as “disrespectful to South Africans.” He added, “Human Settlements is one of the country’s most crucial, frontline service delivery departments. For the 13 million South Africans still living in informal settlements, this appointment is a slap in the face.”
ANC’s Defence of Simelane
Mbalula emphasised the ANC’s reliance on due process and independent investigations. He stated that the Integrity Commission and state agencies are conducting separate investigations into the allegations. “We believe and trust in the ability of independent bodies to discharge their mandate and responsibilities,” he said.
Mbalula also noted that the party respects the President’s constitutional prerogative in making Cabinet appointments. However, he acknowledged the strain the issue places on the ANC’s image and called for clarity and resolution to the matter.
Civil Society Demands Accountability
Civil society organisations have also raised concerns about Simelane’s appointment. Freedom Under Law criticised President Ramaphosa for not firing Simelane, arguing that her continued presence in Cabinet undermines the government’s commitment to ethical leadership and transparency.
The organisation called for Simelane to either step aside voluntarily or for the President to reconsider her appointment. “This unacceptable state of affairs casts a shadow over her capacity to uphold the Constitution and fulfil the essential services required in her new role,” they said in a statement.
The Impact on Human Settlements
Simelane’s redeployment has placed the Department of Human Settlements under the spotlight. Tasked with addressing South Africa’s housing crisis, the department oversees initiatives to provide adequate shelter for millions of citizens. Critics argue that Simelane’s appointment undermines public confidence in the department’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
With 13 million South Africans still living in informal settlements and 2.5 million on the housing register, the stakes are high. Analysts warn that the controversy surrounding Simelane could detract from the department’s focus on addressing these urgent challenges.
Opposition Party Reactions
The EFF and DA have been vocal in their opposition to Simelane’s appointment. The EFF criticised the reshuffle as a distraction from the real issues facing South Africans, accusing the government of recycling “corrupt and incompetent” leaders.
The DA called for Simelane to be removed from Cabinet altogether. “Her redeployment to Human Settlements is a recipe for disaster,” Mphithi said. The DA also highlighted the department’s critical role in service delivery, arguing that the allegations against Simelane compromise her ability to lead effectively.
ANC’s Step-Aside Rule
The ANC’s step-aside rule, introduced to uphold accountability within the party, applies only to members who have been formally charged with criminal offences. Mbalula reiterated this point during his media briefing, stating, “The ANC does not prejudge the outcome of investigations. At the present moment, Minister Simelane is not charged and remains innocent until proven guilty.”
While the rule has been praised for its intent, critics argue that its implementation has been inconsistent. The delay in resolving Simelane’s case has reignited debates about the ANC’s commitment to rooting out corruption within its ranks.
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