The Walter and Albertina Sisulu Foundation has taken a bold stance on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, imploring him to step down in light of what they describe as a persistent inability to tackle corruption in South Africa. This call to action follows the President’s recent decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and establish a judicial commission of inquiry amidst serious allegations from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi’s allegations are grave, suggesting that Mchunu, alongside other senior police officials, has interfered with ongoing criminal investigations. This revelation has fueled further criticism of Ramaphosa’s administration, already plagued by multiple corruption scandals. The actions taken by Ramaphosa may appear as steps towards accountability, yet for the Sisulu Foundation, they fall short of the resolute leadership required in such turbulent times.
Dr Allan Boesak, chairperson of the Foundation, articulated the prevailing discontent within the organisation, stating, “If we have to argue we would have to assume that Cyril Ramaphosa since the time he became President has tried very hard to right what is wrong to give the kind of leadership that is necessary to be decisive. He has proved the exact opposite; he is not decisive, he is not serious about corruption.” Boesak’s comments echo the sentiments of many South Africans who are increasingly frustrated with repeated allegations of corruption and the subsequent lack of decisive action from government officials.
The establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry may be seen by some as a step in the right direction, but as allegations continue to mount, the Foundation’s demands for change resonate with a populace that expects both transparency and accountability from its leaders. The urgency of the situation is underscored by growing public restlessness, intensified by a belief that long-standing corruption undermines both law enforcement and public trust in government institutions.
As the nation grapples with these pressing concerns, Dr Boesak’s remarks highlight the deepening crisis of confidence in the presidency. With an eye on the future, the call for Ramaphosa’s resignation reflects the broader aspirations of South Africans who seek a leadership that prioritises integrity and political responsibility in the face of crisis.