Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reaffirmed its commitment to holding President Cyril Ramaphosa accountable for the Phala Phala scandal, despite its participation in the government of national unity (GNU).
Solly Malatsi, the DA's second deputy federal chairperson and Minister of Communications, made this clear in a recent statement, emphasising the party's unwavering dedication to parliamentary oversight.
“We are not going to relegate our parliamentary oversight on any matter of national importance simply because we are in government,” Malatsi stated emphatically. This assertion underscores the DA's intention to maintain its critical role in holding the executive branch accountable, regardless of its involvement in the GNU.
Malatsi pointed to the recent disagreement within the GNU concerning President Ramaphosa's statement declaring South Africa an ally of Russia. The DA's strong opposition to this statement, publicly distancing itself from Ramaphosa's position, serves as a prime example of the party's willingness to challenge the ANC on matters of policy disagreement.
“You saw how strongly we stood on the issue of Russia because we have a different policy position from the ANC. That is what we will continue to do; there is nothing extraordinary, even though the ANC wants to scandalise that. Part of what we are committed to exercising is accountability,” Malatsi explained.
The Phala Phala scandal, stemming from a theft report filed by former spy boss Arthur Fraser in June 2022, has seen the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decline to prosecute due to insufficient evidence. However, the matter remains far from settled, with the Constitutional Court set to consider applications to revive an impeachment inquiry against President Ramaphosa on November 26th. This impending court decision adds a layer of complexity to the already tense political climate.
Malatsi also addressed comments made by DA federal council chair Helen Zille, who suggested that business interests were pressuring the DA to shield President Ramaphosa from criticism from parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Malatsi countered these claims, suggesting that Zille's statements are often misinterpreted and taken out of context.
“I think there is often an obsession with weaponising whatever Helen Zille says to then say, ‘this is the only perspective’. In all the discussions I was part of at the federal executive, our approach to the discussions was about what the country needs and the general sense was that it needed stability,” Malatsi clarified. He further explained that consultations extended beyond the business sector, encompassing civil society and other relevant stakeholders.
Malatsi further challenged the notion that the ANC leads the GNU, insisting that it operates as a genuine partnership. He highlighted the GNU's statement of intent as a framework for consensus-building.
