DA, EFF call for Nene to be sacked

Business Day reported on Monday that Nene had asked the president to relieve him of his duties as finance minister.

This after Nene apologised for meeting with the controversial Gupta family on several occasions, including at their Saxonwold home. 

The Democratic Alliance's (DA) David Maynier says although they are grateful for Nene's apology it is not enough.

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"However, in the end, the minister's conduct, taken together with the fact that he is likely to be the subject of at least two ongoing investigations, which will drag on for months, now risks compromising public confidence in National Treasury."

Maynier says Ramaphosa should replace Nene before the Medium-Term Budget is presented for Parliament in two weeks 'time.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have echoed the same sentiments - with EFF leader - Julius Malema - penning a letter to Ramaphosa.

In the letter, Malema say the country is facing economic difficulties and job losses the finance minister is key to stemming the tide.

"The unfortunate reality is that both domestic and global owners of money, who are the ones whom you argue should play a role in stimulating economic activity to realise growth and job creation, will not do so under a compromised minister of finance.

The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, which is supposed to be a statement to build confidence amongst all important economic role players, cannot, and should not, be delivered by a minister who was part of the Gupta criminal syndicate," Malema writes.

He says Ramaphosa should use this opportunity to root out corruption in the government.

Read full letter