FridayOL

The pressure is mounting on President Cyril Ramaphosa to address serious allegations against Water and Sanitation Minister Sihle Mchunu. Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen is intensifying calls for Ramaphosa to take swift action, drawing a direct comparison to how the President handled the situation involving former Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Nkosazana Whitfield.

Steenhuisen's demand follows explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Lt Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleges that Minister Mchunu was directly involved in attempts to obstruct the investigation into the R351 million Greytown water purification project. These allegations, if proven, represent a significant breach of ethical conduct and could potentially constitute criminal activity.

“President Ramaphosa cannot afford to ignore these extremely serious allegations,” Steenhuisen stated. “The public deserves to know that their elected officials are held accountable for their actions. Just as he acted decisively in the Whitfield matter, he must now demonstrate the same commitment to transparency and good governance by initiating a thorough and impartial investigation into Mchunu’s conduct.”

The Whitfield case, which involved allegations of improper influence and potential conflict of interest, saw Ramaphosa temporarily relieve Whitfield of her duties pending the outcome of an investigation. Steenhuisen argues that a similar approach is warranted in the case of Minister Mchunu, emphasizing the gravity of the accusations leveled against him.

The Greytown Scandal: A Deep Dive

The Greytown water purification project has been plagued by controversy since its inception. The project, initially valued at R351 million, has ballooned in cost and has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi's testimony before the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture has brought renewed attention to the matter, specifically implicating Minister Mchunu in attempts to interfere with the police investigation.

Mkhwanazi testified that he received direct instructions from Minister Mchunu to halt the investigation, alleging that the minister attempted to pressure him into dropping the case. These claims have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising serious questions about the integrity of the government and the rule of law.

Ramaphosa's Response – Or Lack Thereof?

To date, President Ramaphosa has remained conspicuously silent on the allegations against Minister Mchunu. This silence has fueled speculation and criticism, with opposition parties accusing the President of protecting his allies and failing to uphold his constitutional duty to ensure accountability.

Steenhuisen’s call for action is not merely a political maneuver; it represents a fundamental principle of good governance. The DA believes that no one, regardless of their position, should be above the law. The public's trust in government hinges on the perception that those in power are held to the highest ethical standards and that allegations of wrongdoing are investigated thoroughly and impartially.

The coming days and weeks will be crucial. Ramaphosa’s response to Steenhuisen’s demands, and the subsequent investigation into Minister Mchunu’s conduct, will undoubtedly shape the political landscape and determine whether the President is truly committed to fighting corruption and upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in South Africa.