Calls for Accountability in South Africa’s Leadership

The continued erosion of ethical governance under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership is a betrayal of the democratic values South Africans fought to uphold. 

Research from a 2013 study on South African local government (ResearchGate) underscores a persistent pattern of ethical lapses among public officials, a crisis that has only deepened under Ramaphosa’s watch.

The recent controversy surrounding Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s failure to declare a diamond gift from a dubious businessman, coupled with Ramaphosa’s refusal to demand accountability, exemplifies a leadership void marked by impunity.

Even declarations made in Parliament seem weak and ineffective at holding people accountable, except for just being a mere “slap on the wrist.” This echoes the unresolved Phala Phala scandal, where millions in hidden cash exposed a troubling lack of transparency.

Cabinet ministers from Ramaphosa’s ANC are repeatedly singled out for corruption allegations, yet the President shirks his constitutional duty to enforce integrity. Ramaphosa himself has said, “I can't answer for him, and he has answers for all his matters… let’s wait for that,” deferring responsibility to the Deputy President.

This is not leadership that upholds a no-nonsense stance over allegations of inappropriate behaviours. He must demand accountability from his Deputy President and ministers without fear or favour, ensuring a clean and ethical government. Instead, Ramaphosa’s silence and deflection foster a culture of unaccountability that undermines public trust, a trend criticised since the post-apartheid era.

We condemn this failure unequivocally. South Africans deserve a government that reflects the highest standards of integrity, not one mired in scandal and evasion. President Ramaphosa must act decisively, hold his executive to account, and restore the moral authority of his office. Anything less is an affront to the nation’s democratic aspirations.

Teboho Loate 

COPE Acting Deputy President