Power and Scandal: The South African Politicians Under a Cloud

From high office to high controversy, these are the names dominating headlines for all the wrong reasons.

In South Africa’s stormy political landscape, power often comes with baggage. While some scandals have fizzled out quietly, others continue to linger, haunt, and erode public trust. From presidential farms to ministers accused of fraud, a number of high-ranking leaders find themselves battling more than just political opposition, they’re fighting for their reputations.

Here’s a round-up of some of the most prominent figures currently under public and legal scrutiny.

Cyril Ramaphosa, The President and Phala Phala’s Ghost

President Ramaphosa’s biggest stain came from the Phala Phala farm scandal, where $580,000 in undeclared foreign currency was allegedly stolen from his game farm in 2020.

The incident remained a secret until 2022, igniting public outrage. Critics accused him of money laundering, tax evasion, and violating currency laws.

Though the NPA ultimately declined to prosecute, the secrecy and unanswered questions surrounding the saga still cast a long shadow over his presidency.

Paul Mashatile, Deputy President with a Billion-Rand Past

Mashatile has been dogged by questions surrounding the R1.3 billion Alexandra renewal project, which many residents say left their lives unchanged.

Lately, the spotlight has shifted to his extravagant lifestyle, allegedly funded by businesspeople with government ties.

The DA has filed charges, and the NPA is now weighing whether to investigate. For a leader at the heart of the GNU, these allegations are politically explosive.

John Steenhuisen, DA Leader and Funding Furore

As the leader of the Democratic Alliance and Minister of Agriculture, Steenhuisen faced internal accusations that he misused party funds during his 2020 leadership campaign.

The claims came from expelled DA MP Tsepo Mhlongo, who also implicated Manny de Freitas. De Freitas was found guilty, but Steenhuisen walked away unscathed, leading some to question internal accountability within the DA.

Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Energy Minister in the Hot Seat

Before becoming South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Ramokgopa was mayor of Tshwane, where he signed off on a controversial contract with PEU Capital Partners.

The deal, flagged as irregular, was later nullified by the courts, but the political backlash has lingered. For a man now tasked with solving Eskom’s crisis, his past dealings raise serious concerns.

Thembi Simelane, VBS Ties and Fraud Allegations

Simelane, now Minister of Human Settlements, has a VBS-shaped cloud hanging over her. She’s accused of taking loans from companies linked to the looted bank while she was Polokwane mayor.

On top of that, the DA has filed criminal charges for alleged fraud against Eskom, dating back to her time at a consulting firm.

For many, Simelane’s name now surfaces in nearly every conversation about vetting failures in high office.

Nobuhle Nkabane, Ignoring Corruption and Misleading Parliament?

As Higher Education Minister, Nkabane is accused of turning a blind eye to serious corruption claims within the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA).

Whistle-blower documents suggest rot in the agency, but Nkabane allegedly ignored the warnings.

She’s also accused of misleading Parliament about how SETA board members were appointed, charges that critics say signal a deeper culture of unaccountability.

Aaron Motsoaledi , A Minister’s Name in a Murder Trial

The Health Minister’s name surfaced in the 2019 murder investigation of Louis Siemens, a businessman allegedly killed over hospital licensing deals.

Witnesses claimed Motsoaledi accepted a R150,000 bribe to fast-track Siemens’ licence. He has denied all allegations, saying they’re unfounded and politically motivated.

Gwede Mantashe, Bosasa Fallout Lingers

Long seen as a pillar in the ANC, Mantashe’s reputation took a knock when the Zondo Commission found evidence linking him to Bosasa, the corruption-ridden services company.

He allegedly received security upgrades at his homes paid for by Bosasa. The Commission recommended that the matter be further investigated—but the public has seen little follow-through.

Blade Nzimande, NSFAS Kickbacks Allegations

Now heading the Department of Science and Innovation, Nzimande previously served as Higher Education Minister, where he was accused of taking kickbacks from NSFAS contractors.

While he dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign, they remain a red flag in his long political career.

What This Means for Public Trust

The sheer number of allegations across the political spectrum ANC, DA, and coalition partners—reveals a deep crisis of credibility in South African politics.

While some figures may survive the storm legally, the court of public opinion continues to render harsh judgment. Voters are becoming less tolerant of politicians who operate in the grey area between governance and scandal.

And with local elections looming in 2026, accountability or the lack thereof, may be the ballot’s most powerful issue.

{Source: The Citizen}

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