DA: Ramaphosa’s new inquiry must deliver real accountability
DA leader John Steenhuisen has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry into explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
However, Steenhuisen has warned that the commission cannot become “another Zondo-style dead end”.
Steenhuisen said while the allegations of political interference and criminal syndicate involvement at the highest levels of the state require urgent investigation, the DA will not support a commission that merely serves to delay justice or shield powerful individuals from accountability.
"These allegations strike at the heart of South Africa’s criminal justice system, implicating senior law enforcement, prosecutorial, intelligence, and even executive officials in organised crime and systemic corruption,” the DA leader warned.
While he acknowledged Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave as a “necessary step”, Steenhuisen said it came only after sustained pressure from the DA and widespread public outrage.
"Once again, instead of showing bold and firm leadership, the president has outsourced executive responsibility to a commission. South Africans have grown cynical of talk shops, task teams and commissions which they see as buying time and avoiding accountability."
The DA has called for complete parliamentary oversight of the commission’s work, stressing that the findings must lead to real consequences and not be shelved as with previous inquiries.
"The country cannot afford another elaborate filing cabinet of findings that gather dust while the politically connected escape justice. The DA will hold the president to account on every finding and recommendation made by this committee," said Steenhuisen.
He also criticised what he called "performative accountability" within Cabinet, noting that several ministers facing corruption allegations remain in office.
"We reject the attempt to create the illusion of reform while ANC ministers accused of corruption remain firmly in Cabinet at the behest of presidential prerogative. The presence of ministers Nkabane and Simelane exposes the ongoing selective and performative accountability that South Africans grow tired of.
"The president has taken a step, but not the leap that this moment demands. If he truly wants to root out criminal syndicates from the state, he must start with his own Cabinet. South Africans deserve action, not more commissions."
ALSO READ
