Build One South Africa (Bosa) leader Mmusi Maimane has slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to remove embattled Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane, to the portfolio of Human Settlements as a "betrayal of justice".

This comes after a surprise move on Tuesday, where Ramaphosa reshuffled his Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet, making four changes to the executive.

The executive changes are effective immediately, according to the Presidency's announcement, which included no other specifics.

Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi will take over Simelane’s role as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Simelane has been under fire regarding a R575,600 loan obtained from Gundo Wealth Solutions while she served as the mayor of Polokwane.

Ralliom Razwinane, the business' 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.

Maimane said the move of under-fire minister Simelane to a new portfolio undermines accountability.

“The moving of Minister Simelane, I think it is indeed a betrayal of justice, because I don’t think she must remain in the cabinet,” Maimane said in an interview with local broadcaster, Newzroom Afrika.

Maimane argued that Ramaphosa’s action on the issue falls short in demonstrating accountability and ethical leadership.

“It is not a genuine demonstration of bold leadership and demonstrating ethical leadership across all government departments.

“Because we really have to raise the standards of ethics in this country,” he said as he demanded accountability.

Maimane said criminal charges have been filed against other people who are involved in the collapse of the now defunct VBS Mutual Bank, but they are absent in the political sphere.

“We must get to the bottom of the VBS saga. Political accountability has not been felt, which must be experienced across the board,” Maimane said.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have both condemned Ramaphosa's recent cabinet reshuffle, with both parties arguing that it serves as a distraction from the real crises facing South Africa.

Both parties claim that the reshuffle prioritises political loyalty over effective governance and service delivery.

IOL Politics

#vbs

Maimane slams Simelane’s Cabinet move as ‘betrayal of justice’