‘No Fear, No Favour’: Ramaphosa Pushes Back on Claims of Protecting Allies

‘No Fear, No Favour’: Ramaphosa Rejects Claims of Double Standards

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hit back at suggestions that he is applying two sets of rules when it comes to ministers facing allegations of wrongdoing. The criticism stems from his decision to suspend Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, while Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane – who has also faced accusations – remains in office.

Speaking during a heated Q&A session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday, Ramaphosa made it clear he won’t be told he’s shielding political allies.

“I do not have double standards… I evaluate each matter carefully, ask for reports, and then make a callwithout fear or favour,” he said.

The challenge came from DA NCOP member Nzamo Billy, who implied that Simelane was being spared because she’s politically closer to Ramaphosa, while Mchunu – who holds significant influence in KwaZulu-Natal – was sidelined.

Why Mchunu Was Suspended

Mchunu was placed on special leave after shocking claims from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The commissioner accused him of meddling in high-stakes investigations involving organised crime and political assassinations.

Mkhwanazi alleged that:

• Mchunu instructed the shutdown of the province’s political killings task team in December 2024

• He was allegedly under pressure from associates, including businessman Vuzimusi “Cat” Matlala – arrested for attempted murder – and Brown Mogotsi

• Matlala reportedly received a R360 million police contract in 2024 and funded Mchunu’s political work

• Senior police tied to drug cartels were stalling probes into celebrity murders

The allegations prompted Ramaphosa to appoint the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and temporarily replace Mchunu with Professor Firoz Cachalia.

Political insiders say Ramaphosa suspended, not fired, Mchunu because of his importance in securing ANC support in KZN, especially under the Government of National Unity (GNU).

What About Thembi Simelane?

Simelane’s name has surfaced in corruption-related discussions before, but the allegations haven’t led to direct action from the presidency.

Her controversies include:

• A R575,600 loan from the failed VBS Mutual Bank while she was mayor of Polokwane, used to buy a Sandton coffee shop

• Claims she was linked to inflated billing involving an Eskom contractor, which she denies

She appeared before Parliament’s Justice Portfolio Committee last year and denied wrongdoing. Ramaphosa later shifted her from Justice and Constitutional Development to Human Settlements, rather than removing her completely.

Public Reaction: “Selective Accountability?”

On social media, the reaction has been split:

• Some argue Ramaphosa is playing politics to protect the GNU from instability

• Others believe suspending Mchunu was long overdue given the gravity of the allegations

• Critics complain that Simelane’s case is being swept under the carpet simply because no new inquiry has been launched

Political analysts say the difference may come down to evidence. Mchunu is facing active, sworn allegations before a commission. Simelane’s issues, while dodgy in the public eye, haven’t escalated to that stage.

A President Under Pressure

Ramaphosa’s response in the NCOP tried to project consistency, but he knows the optics aren’t on his side.

“I ask for reports, I evaluate, and then I make a decision, without fear, favour or prejudice,” he said.

With the ANC already stretched by coalition politics, every disciplinary move has implications beyond Cabinet. The question many South Africans are asking is whether accountability depends on the strength of the evidenceor the strength of your allies.

{Source: IOL}

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