Mantashe accuses opposition of ‘playing to the gallery’ in Phala Phala debate

Parliamentary clash over accountability

The exchange followed remarks in the National Assembly by Umkhonto weSizwe Party MP Wesley Douglas, who said there are “two South Africas” one where ordinary citizens face investigation and are compelled to step aside, and another where the president and political elite are shielded.

“There are two South Africas. One for South Africa is for the poor. If you are accused of wrongdoing, you are investigated and compelled to step aside,”

Douglas said an independent Section 89 panel had found prima facie evidence of serious constitutional violations involving Ramaphosa and accused Parliament of failing to act decisively. He also warned that failing to act on a Constitutional Court order could amount to contempt.

Mantashe rejects double standards claim

Mantashe rejected the allegations, accusing opposition parties of applying double standards by ignoring legal processes involving other leaders. He pointed to former president Jacob Zuma being in court over the arms deal case and EFF leader Julius Malema exercising his right to appeal a conviction in the East London court.

Mantashe also said of the president: “Mr Ramaphosa appealed the conviction in this court and he is using his right to appeal.” He argued that claims of unequal justice were politically motivated and criticised what he called political grandstanding.

“This thing of standing, of playing to the gallery, doesn’t help the cause. People must begin to react in a way that helps the cause, rather than being very emotional and playing to the gallery.”

Judicial review underway

The Phala Phala independent panel report is the subject of a judicial review at the Western Cape High Court, after President Ramaphosa challenged the panel’s findings and asked that they be set aside.