Media Statement: 31 March 2017

Following last night’s cabinet reshuffle, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) joins other civil society organisations in their call for active citizenship to defend transparent and accountable democracy. The retention of poor performing ministers, such as Min. Bathabile Dlamini, who two weeks ago have been reprimanded by the Constitutional Court for her role in bringing the country to the brink of one of its greatest post-apartheid crises to date, and the removal of Min. Pravin Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas, who have successfully spearheaded the fight against a ratings downgrade, makes the President’s explanation of ‘efficiency and effectiveness’ unconvincing. A faceless press release in the late hours of the evening on a matter that will have profound implications for the livelihoods of all South Africans, but especially the poor and vulnerable, demonstrates a lack leadership and insufficient appreciation for its gravity. In doing so, we believe that Pres. Zuma may not have shown proper regard for one of our Constitution’s founding provisions in Chapter 1, Article 1 that invokes the responsibility of a “democratic government, to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness.”

We call on South Africans to unite in their demand for leadership and to hold government to account for the eradication of corruption, nepotism and cronyism, which stands in the way of true social transformation, as envisaged in our Constitution.

Contact Persons: Samantha Kambule, Tel: 021 202 4071; Email: skambule@ijr.org.za

Image source: News24