As the nation anticipates new cabinet appointments under the current political administration, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is keenly observing the possibility of change. “These appointments are crucial, as they either introduce new leaders with fresh perspectives or retain current ministers whose past performance will impact future outcomes. We are, however, cognisant of the fact that in some cases continuity will serve the country better, but only if previous leadership has been effective and their plans need to be sustained,” says Wayne Duvenage, OUTA’s CEO.

The forthcoming appointments will resonate differently with various stakeholders, from government staff and administrators to the public who rely on these ministries for services. The third segment of “beneficiaries” who are watching these appointments with keen interest are those involved in corruption, as their interests are significantly impacted by these decisions.

“From OUTA’s perspective, we believe meaningful change for the better will come if President Ramaphosa appoints the right people into cabinet. We need strong leaders, especially in ministerial departments which have consistently underperformed, exhibited gross procurement irregularities, and suffered from corruption and maladministration, severely impacting the country's economy, unemployment, and poverty levels,” Duvenage remarks.

OUTA firmly believes that three ministers from the 6th administration should not be reappointed. They are Gwede Mantashe (Department of Mineral Resources and Energy), Dr Blade Nzimande (Department of Higher Education) and the Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga. 

According to Duvenage, systemic inefficiencies, mismanagement, irregularities in procurement processes and corruption have been observed in all three of these departments. “Reappointing these ministers would perpetuate poor performance, with more negative consequences for the country, further impacting service delivery to the people.”  

OUTA cited the following as motivation for its stance:

Minister Gwede Mantashe (DMRE) 

Under Minister Mantashe, the mining cadastre system (SAMRAD) has collapsed, impacting negatively on transparency and investment in South Africa’s mining sector. Despite promises to address these issues over the past few years, no substantial progress has been made. In addition, the lack of transparency when it comes to diesel procurement for Eskom’s peak power usage and other dubious activities on his watch, coupled with his alleged involvement in state capture transactions as reported by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, makes Mantashe unfit for any cabinet role.

Minister Blade Nzimande (DHET)

His tenure at the Department of Higher Education has been marred by numerous procurement irregularities within several Sectoral Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), universities, TVET Colleges and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). These issues, coupled with the many gross irregularities OUTA exposed at NSFAS, and the fact that several of the SETAs and NSFAS have been placed under administration, indicates a severe lack of accountability, poor oversight and poor leadership by Nzimande. 

Department of Transport

Minister Sindiswe Chikunga’s short tenure as the Minister of Transport and her previous role as deputy minister has been disappointing. The continuous challenges with road safety, corruption in driver’s licence testing and inefficiencies in the Natis vehicle registry system, are significant concerns. The replacement and upgrade of the driver’s licence card machine has taken several tenders and years to address, but to no avail. 

In addition, the recent decision to extend the validity period of the driver’s licence from 5 to 8 years has now been reversed, with no meaningful explanation. The Road Traffic Management Corporate (RTMC) has severely lacked in transparency when it comes to massive increases in fees for relicensing and registration of vehicles. The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has also been lacking in transparency and is accused of significant maladministration abuses of their systems to raise revenue related to outstanding traffic fines. Additionally, delays in terminating e-tolls and declining service delivery at ports highlight serious systemic failures.

“OUTA has engaged with several whistleblowers over the years from departments within these ministries, and our investigation and research shows ineptitude and a lack of will to address the many gross inefficiencies and system challenges in these departments,” Duvenage explains. “These problems have been a burden to our country and its citizens, and increased the cost of living and doing business in South Africa.”

In addition to these concerns, OUTA points out that Minister Bheki Cele’s performance in the Police Ministry and Minister Angie Motshekga’s tenure in Basic Education have been grossly inadequate. “New and strong leadership is critical in addressing the decline in education standards and improving policing effectiveness in fighting growing levels of serious crime,” Duvenage says.

But, says Duvenage, it is very important to also praise good leadership. “Minister Senzo Mchunu must be singled out for his efforts in the Department of Water and Sanitation. He is doing a great job in undoing the damage caused by his predecessors, Nomvula Mokonyane and Lindiwe Sisulu. We commend Minister Mchunu for his efforts, proactive approach and leadership. He has made significant strides in managing water resources and replacing him would definitely be a setback for the department.” 

OUTA calls for new ministerial appointees to take up the President’s call to engage with civil society in finding solutions and constructive interventions to the many challenges the country faces. “Accountability and transparency in many areas of government, specifically in procurement, are paramount, and oversight departments like Treasury must do more to enforce improvements and better use of the restricted supplier database. Strong, purpose-driven leaders, focused on the will of the people, are needed more than ever.”

Duvenage reiterates that President Ramaphosa has an opportunity to reshape the cabinet, despite potential discomfort among his political colleagues. “Bold changes are necessary to expose and address the inefficiencies and corruption within the government if we want to take the country forward.” 

OUTA also urges the President to consider reducing the size of the new cabinet. “A leaner cabinet can enhance efficiency, reduce administrative costs, and ensure a more streamlined approach to governance,” Duvenage says. “It would also demonstrate a commitment to prudent fiscal management and effective leadership.”

According to Duvenage, OUTA will continue to hold those in power accountable, irrespective of who is appointed to the cabinet. "Our commitment as a civil action organisation is to improve governance for the benefit of all South Africans. We will remain vigilant and ensure that those in leadership are held to the highest standards of accountability and transparency."

More information

A soundclip with comment by OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage is here.