Note to Editors: A letter from DA Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis to President Cyril Ramaphosa is attached.
I have written to President Cyril Ramaphosa calling for the immediate removal of Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe from the national executive, following a growing series of serious allegations against her.
The Government of National Unity must be held to a higher standard of accountability, integrity and clean government.
South Africans did not vote for a continuation of weak accountability and political protection.
They voted for change, seriousness and a government that acts when public trust is compromised.
Minister Tolashe faces serious allegations that are not minor political controversies. They strike directly at the standards expected of a member of Cabinet.
President Ramaphosa has previously shown that he is prepared to act where the continued presence of a Minister undermines confidence in public office. That principle cannot now be applied selectively. The standard for remaining in Cabinet is not the same as the standard for criminal conviction.
Ministers must be able to lead their departments with credibility, integrity and public confidence.
South Africa cannot have a Minister responsible for social development operating under a growing cloud of allegations involving personal benefit, family enrichment and the possible misuse of public resources.
The Department of Social Development serves pensioners, children, people with disabilities, grant beneficiaries and families who depend on the state in moments of deep hardship. It must be an example of care, integrity and service.
The GNU cannot ask South Africans to believe in reform while tolerating conduct that undermines it.
The difference between the DA and the ANC is that we do not treat accountability selectively.
Where the ANC has too often protects compromised leaders until public pressure made their positions impossible, the DA believes clean government requires early, decisive action when public trust is at stake.
This is the standard we apply in governments we lead, and it is the standard we will continue to demand in the Government of National Unity.