‘Not serious about fighting corruption’: Ramaphosa faces criticism over Pule appointment

Ramaphosa

Pretoria – Civil society organisation Activists and Citizens Forum has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development, questioning her return to Cabinet more than a decade after she was removed from government.

The Presidency announced Pule’s appointment on Tuesday night as part of changes to the national executive following consultations with Democratic Alliance (DA) leaders under the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Pule replaces former Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, who was removed by Ramaphosa in May following allegations involving controversial appointments in the department and the alleged misuse of donated vehicles intended for the ANC Women’s League.

Pule, a former Communications Minister during former president Jacob Zuma’s administration, returns to Cabinet after a 13-year absence. She was removed as minister in 2013 following allegations that her then-partner benefited from contracts linked to her department.

The allegations were investigated by the Public Protector and Parliament’s Ethics Committee. While the Public Protector did not find that Pule stole money, she was found guilty of improper and unethical conduct. Parliament’s Ethics Committee also sanctioned her with a fine and a suspension from parliamentary duties.

Pule returned to Parliament after the 2024 elections and currently serves as the Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC Women’s League, as well as previously chairing Parliament’s agriculture portfolio committee.

‘It’s a shame’

Aording to SABC News, activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem described Ramaphosa’s decision as “scandalous”, accusing the president of failing to prioritise the fight against corruption.

“It is a shame that President Cyril Ramaphosa reappointed Dina Pule as minister, who was fired by former President Jacob Zuma for gross corruption and was found guilty of lying to parliament’s joint committee on ethics and members’ interests,” Bloem said.

“It is very clear to us that President Cyril Ramaphosa is not serious in rooting out corruption,” he added.

Bloem also questioned the message Pule’s appointment sends to investors and the public.

“What message is President Cyril Ramaphosa sending out to the country and the world? These kinds of things are negative to investors. They will never invest in a country where corrupt ministers are being appointed,” EWN quoted him as saying.

The DA has also criticised the appointment, saying the Social Development portfolio requires a minister with “impeccable credentials”.

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