President Cyril Ramaphosa removes Thembi Simelani as justice minister, shuffles his cabinet

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday, removed  Thembi Simelane as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development amid corruption allegations and moved her to Human Settlements.

The Presidency said Ramaphosa made the changes in accordance with the Constitution.

"In order to ensure the effectiveness of cabinet in delivering to its mandate and in accordance with section 91(2) of the Constitution, I have decided to make the following changes to the national executive; Ms Mmamoloko Tryphosa Kubayi, currently the Minister of Human Settlements is appointed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development," he said. 

"Ms Thembi Nkadimeng [Simelane], currently the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is appointed the Minister of Human Settlements."

Phumzile Mgcina, has been moved from deputy labour and employment minister and was appointed as the deputy minister of mineral and petroleum resources.  

Current Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala was appointed as deputy minister of employment and labour. 

"The changes to the national executive are effective immediately. I would like to wish these members of the national executive well in their new positions."

On October 17, Ramaphosa said that he was considering Simelane's fate, who is facing corruption allegations, following her submission of a report.

Ramaphosa told the members of parliament (MPs) that his decision on the corruption accused minister will be soon be known.

The president has faced criticism from various political parties for his perceived delay in responding to a report submitted by Simelane, which allegedly outlined the transaction that has led to her current controversies.

"I have requested a report that has since been submitted. I am still considering the report," he said at the time.

Simelane is facing criticism regarding a R575,600 loan obtained from Gundo Wealth Solutions while she served as the mayor of Polokwane.

Ralliom Razwinane, the business's owner, has been officially accused of money laundering, corruption, and fraud.

These accusations relate to his purported involvement in establishing contacts and "investments" between a number of municipalities, such as the Polokwane Municipality and the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.

Simelane has since explained herself to the Justice Portfolio Committee in Parliament.

On November 29, the  DA has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to Ramaphosa demanding to see an explanation report that Simelane gave to Ramaphosa.

The report was for Simelane to explain her involvement in the looting of money from the Venda Building Society (VBS) mutual bank.

IOL Politics