Sisulu Foundation Slams Ntshavheni’s Coup Claims as ‘Dangerous Political Theatre’

Sisulu Foundation Slams Ntshavheni’s Coup Claims as ‘Dangerous Political Theatre’

In a blistering statement, the Walter and Albertina Sisulu Foundation has accused Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, of engaging in dangerous political theatrics after she claimed that South Africa’s security services had identified risks of a possible coup d’état.

Addressing Parliament earlier this week, Ntshavheni said the State Security Agency (SSA), alongside law enforcement agencies, was monitoring potential threats aimed at destabilising the country—likening the situation to the deadly July 2021 unrest. Her remarks sparked shock and confusion across the political spectrum.

But the Sisulu Foundation has now fired back, condemning Ntshavheni’s remarks as “deeply irresponsible, dangerous, and reckless in the current political climate.”

“To utter such claims on the parliamentary record without presenting evidence, without public briefing, and without accountability, is not merely careless; it verges on fearmongering by executive design,” the Foundation said in a sharply worded statement.

‘No Evidence, No Transparency’

The Foundation questioned the motive and timing of the claim, especially since it came shortly after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, considered a close ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa was placed on paid suspension amid swirling allegations of political interference and suppression of investigations.

“It arrives just as public scrutiny of the president’s handling of the police crisis reaches fever pitch,” the Foundation argued, calling out the “silence on Phala Phala,” and the “appointment of a non-MP acting police minister” as signs of growing executive opacity.

“Instead of answers, we get an unverified claim of a coup attempt, floated in the most public forum of the land, then immediately dropped with no follow-up,” the statement added.

Parliament Must Reclaim Oversight

Calling for accountability, the Foundation urged Parliament to demand that Ntshavheni either substantiate her claim with hard intelligence or withdraw the statement entirely.

“If she does not, then her words should be withdrawn and censured. The legislature must reclaim its oversight function and reassert the supremacy of constitutional order over political theatre.”

A Nation Tired of Deflection

The Foundation concluded with a powerful reminder that South Africans deserve better leadership and more transparency.

“Not paranoia, not spin, not distraction. And certainly not ministers weaponising fear from the floor of Parliament.”

As concerns about political accountability and public trust grow, Ntshavheni’s comments may have opened more wounds than they closed, raising critical questions about the use of state security narratives in times of political crisis.

{Source: The Citizen}

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