By Dr Fumene George Tsibani:
A credible process was announced by the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa. In the absence of prima facie evidence, it is imperative that we uphold the principles of justice and fairness, as enshrined in our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The allegations and accusations levelled against Minister Senzo Edward Mchunu, whilst troubling, do not in and of themselves constitute sufficient grounds for his suspension, but rather warrant a placement on special leave, as announced by the President.
In the interests of justice and fairness, it is essential that we adhere to the presumption of innocence, a fundamental tenet of our legal system. As the Bible reminds us, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). This principle, aptly demonstrated in the case of Thabo Mbeki vs Jacob Zuma (2005), underscores the importance of due process and the need to guard against precipitous action in the absence of concrete evidence.
Furthermore, the holding of a press conference by generals and the Lieutenant General of Police, in the absence of the State President, raises concerns about the integrity of the process. As the Bible cautions, “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame” (Proverbs 18:13). In our post-apartheid administration, we must ensure adherence to transparency, accountability, and fairness.
In light of the foregoing, it is cautioned that rushing to judgment would be premature and potentially unjust. Rather, we must allow the legal process to unfold, as enshrined in our Constitution. As the saying goes, “Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.” Notably, the President has followed the necessary steps to ensure a fair and impartial process, establishing a carefully crafted terms of reference for the commission, thereby demonstrating a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and accountability.
Indeed, the President’s measured response has rendered the opportunistic outbursts of certain political parties, such as the EFF, irrelevant. As Nelson Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” In this instance, the President has risen to the occasion, demonstrating sober reasoning and a commitment to justice, rather than succumbing to narrow politicking.
The timing and motive behind Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi’s press conference, held while the State President was abroad, raise suspicions about the true intentions behind this calculated counter-intelligence strategy. As the Bible warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” (Jeremiah 17:9). We must therefore be cautious not to be swayed by deceptive words or actions, but rather to seek truth and justice.
In conclusion, the President’s response to the allegations against Minister Mchunu has been measured, fair, and just. As we move forward, let us continue to uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and transparency, ever mindful of the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, who said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
As we navigate the complexities of our incomplete National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and its two-stage theory, a senior elder has astutely observed that “all heads will roll after 14 July 2025.” This pronouncement has generated high expectations among South African citizens, who eagerly anticipate a thorough cleansing of the rot that has infiltrated South Africa’s security cluster and the entire public administration and management system since the dawn of our democracy, when syndicates consolidated their efforts from 2005 onwards.
The imperative for accountability and transparency has never been more pressing. As we strive to realise the aspirations of our NDR, we must confront the entrenched interests and corrupt practices that have hindered our progress. The call for accountability must be heeded, and those responsible for malfeasance must be brought to book.
In this regard, the President’s recent actions and announcement on Sunday evening, 13 July 2025, including the establishment of a commission to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, are a step in the right direction, as the majority of seasoned political analysts noted leading up to the announcement. However, much more needs to be done to restore the integrity of our institutions and to ensure that those who have betrayed the public trust are held accountable.
As we move forward, it is essential that we remain vigilant and committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice. Only through a concerted effort to root out corruption and malfeasance can we hope to realise the promise of our NDR and build a more just and equitable society for all.
Ndisetyisa kwaye ndisatshaya!
Dr Fumene George Tsibani is Professor of Practice. Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Nuclear Research Centre, Water Governance and Evaluation Expert – @NewsSA_Online
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