The Public Protector has officially launched an investigation into President Cyril Ramaphosa for an alleged breach of the executive ethics code, following a formal complaint by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party).
The probe, confirmed in a televised news segment, centers on a complaint accusing the President of abusing his power and engaging in improper conduct. The MK Party alleges that Ramaphosa used state organs to shield himself and his allies from accountability.
In an interview, MK Party MP Mzwanele Manyi detailed the specifics of the complaint, linking it directly to remarks made by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen during a visit to the White House Oval Office in May.
Manyi alleged that Steenhuisen, who holds a cabinet position, “abused the cabinet position and his executive status as a cabinet member to articulate DA positions.” During the visit, Steenhuisen reportedly characterized parties like the MK Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as “rebel movements” that are “not worthy of being in government.”
According to Manyi, the primary charge against President Ramaphosa is one of “omission rather than commission.” He stated that the President failed in his duty by allowing Steenhuisen to make such statements without correction, both during and after the meeting.
“The President has a duty to protect the integrity of South Africa [and] has a duty to protect the integrity of cabinet,” Manyi said. “If one of his appointees is going to go to the Oval Office and… make all kinds of reckless statements in his presence and he does nothing to correct that… therefore it means the president is complicit.”
Manyi confirmed that a separate, parallel complaint against John Steenhuisen has been lodged with and accepted by the Joint Ethics Committee in Parliament.
When pressed on the desired outcome, Manyi stated that Steenhuisen should publicly “make a serious apology” and retract his statements. Regarding the President, he asserted that the incident strengthens the party’s resolve for a motion of no confidence, stating, “he is not worthy of being a president.”
The MP also used the opportunity to address broader issues, alleging that “state capture” began in 2018 and referring to a “criminal syndicate” that had “judges on their payroll.” He characterized recent internal turmoil within the MK Party as “teething problems” and a “cleansing process” for the “brand new baby” party, which he said is preparing to be the “government in waiting.”
The Public Protector’s office is now proceeding with its investigation into the allegations against President Ramaphosa.