Sisulu Foundation: Ramaphosa Must Resign Over ‘Theatre of Accountability’

The foundation bearing the name of two of South Africa’s moral giants says the president has failed to honour their legacy.

The Walter & Albertina Sisulu Foundation has issued a searing rebuke of President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of delaying real accountability in South Africa’s corruption crisis with “bureaucratic theatre” and calling for his immediate resignation.

In a statement that reflects growing disillusionment among civil society, the Foundation said that Ramaphosa’s recent moves to suspend Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and launch a judicial commission of inquiry were symbolic gestures lacking courage and substance.

“Yes, these moves are legally permissible, but legality is not legitimacy,” the Foundation declared. “This worn-out script no longer inspires confidence, it provokes outrage.”

Praise for Mkhwanazi, Condemnation for Mchunu

While lauding KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for courageously exposing criminal collusion between police officials, politicians, and syndicates, the Foundation described Minister Mchunu as “no stranger to obstruction.”

They highlighted his past role in halting disciplinary processes and painted his exit from the portfolio as a recycled political tactic designed to shield the executive rather than hold it accountable.

Ramaphosa’s Commissions of Inquiry: ‘Recycled Theatre’

One of the harshest criticisms came in response to Ramaphosa’s announcement of a new commission of inquiry, this time led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, to investigate allegations against Mchunu.

The Foundation was scathing:

“This is not new terrain, it is recycled theatre. Commissions have become the illusion of action, a mechanism to delay consequences and deflect responsibility.”

They argue that South Africans have seen too many commissions, too many promises, and too few prosecutions or reforms to restore faith in state institutions.

Phala Phala and the Collapse of Moral Authority

Referencing the unresolved Phala Phala scandal, the Foundation suggested that Ramaphosa’s continued opacity undermines both his moral authority and the constitutional order.

“You cannot preach dialogue while insulating political elites from accountability. Dialogue without consequence is theatre.”

They warned that this governance style runs contrary to the ethical foundations of democracy and of the ANC’s own liberation legacy.

Call for Parliament and Civil Society to Act

The statement ended with an urgent appeal to Parliament, faith leaders, and civil society to intervene.

“This is a moment for bold action, not bureaucratic theatre. Parliament must rise to the occasion… not as spectators of elite negotiation, but as defenders of the democratic promise.”

And in a final stinging rebuke:

“It will be better if [Ramaphosa] resigns with immediate effect before he causes more harm to the fragile ethical fabric of our nation… What he is doing is a direct spit in the face of our revolutionary forefathers.”

This statement from a foundation rooted in the legacy of Walter and Albertina Sisulu reflects a significant fracture between the liberation movement’s moral legacy and the governing party’s current leadership.

It comes at a time when the country is reeling from high-profile scandals, internal security crises, and a fragile economic outlook, with growing calls for genuine accountability, not commissions and cover-ups.

South Africa’s political theatre, it seems, has run out of standing ovations. The audience wants action.

{Source: IOL}

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