Pieter Groenewald, the newly appointed Minister of Correctional Services, received an unexpected call from President Cyril Ramaphosa while driving home from the airport on Sunday evening. The call came on the same night that Ramaphosa was set to announce the composition of the government of national unity (GNU). Groenewald, leader of the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), was taken aback when he heard the voice of President Ramaphosa on the other end of the line.
Although the FF+ had supported the ANC in the Northern Cape to ensure they obtained a majority to govern, they declined offers to be part of the government of provincial unity. Instead, they opted for positions as chairs in the legislature. The ANC in the Northern Cape, which saw an 8% drop in the 2024 polls, fell short of obtaining the required majority with only 49.3% of the vote.
Following the surprise call, Groenewald convened a meeting with the FF+ leadership, who ultimately made the decision for him to accept the president's offer. Groenewald expressed his surprise at the turn of events, as the FF+ had not engaged in any negotiations with the ANC regarding cabinet positions in the GNU. In the Northern Cape, they had rejected executive positions and preferred to maintain their role as chairs of portfolio committees in the legislature.
"After the call, which was a big surprise, I called a party meeting of the FF+ leadership, who made the decision for me to accept the offer from the president," Groenewald revealed.
Contrary to speculation, the FF+ had not engaged in any negotiations with the ANC regarding cabinet positions in the GNU. Groenewald emphasized that their focus had been on maintaining chair positions in the legislature. However, fate had other plans for him.
As he prepares to be sworn in as the Minister of Correctional Services, Groenewald shared his vision for the department. He expressed a strong commitment to ensuring that the department delivers services to the public and lives up to its name.
"Our primary duty is to protect law-abiding citizens from criminals," Groenewald stated firmly. "To achieve this, we must prioritize honesty, integrity, and a corruption-free environment. These values form the foundation of my broad vision for the department."
Acknowledging the department's checkered history marred by corrupt activities within some prisons, Groenewald intends to assess its strengths and weaknesses upon assuming office. He believes that the department possesses hard-working and honest employees who are dedicated to serving the public. Leveraging this strength will be crucial in making the department even stronger. However, he also recognizes corruption as a key weakness that needs urgent attention.
"Corruption is a serious issue that plagues the department. We will address it by dealing with various issues and encouraging honest employees to become whistle-blowers when they witness wrongdoing," Groenewald explained.
He stressed the importance of taking disciplinary action, including dismissals, against those engaged in corruption to send a strong message throughout the department. Groenewald pledged to stand up for the hard-working and trustworthy members of correctional services who come forward with the truth. Simultaneously, he promised that there would be consequences for those who break the law, emphasizing that South Africa cannot tolerate impunity.
Reflecting on the decision to participate in the GNU, Groenewald highlighted the FF+'s campaign message during the 2024 general elections, which focused on restoring and building South Africa. The opportunity to be part of the GNU aligns with their goals, and Groenewald is determined not to be a mere spectator but an active participant in shaping the nation's future.
Having served as the FF+ leader since 2016, Groenewald brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His political career spans several positions, including being the mayor of Stilfontein in 1988 and a member of parliament since 1989. From 1994 to 1999, he chaired the parliamentary defense portfolio committee, where he staunchly advocated for the country's economic needs and the necessity for substantial restructuring.
