IN CONVERSATION WITH JABU RAKWANE

AZAPO is not shocked by the new developments in the Ministry of police in appointing Minister Gwede Mantashe to act as Minister of Police. Mantashe’s appointment, albeit for only a few weeks, asserts our long-standing point of view that decisions taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa are not for the better development and positive growth of our country. Both Ramaphosa and Mantashe were people of interest in the Zondo Commission for reasons of failure to report crimes committed by then-President Jacob Zuma and allegations of corruption, respectively. Mantashe is still fighting to have his name cleared on allegations levelled against him in the Zondo Commission, while Judge Zondo has stood his ground on the calls for him to be criminally investigated. Mantashe has also been linked with other allegations of corruption at different intervals and in various accusations. While AZAPO acknowledges that Mantashe has not been brought before a court of law or officially charged for wrongdoing, the allegations against his name keep growing and cannot be ignored. Mantashe’s appointment is not only a slap across the faces of the citizens, but also another confirmation that Ramaphosa has neither intention nor will of appreciatinghowdeeplyentangled the Republic of South Africa is, in criminal activity. One day is too long, let alone the number of weeks he is given to have Mantashe serving as Minister of police. AZAPO states that if Ramaphosa had any intentions and commitment to steer the country towards reduced crime rates, he wouldn’t have even considered deploying Mantashe for the position. The appointment itself creates a platform for possible conflict of interest investigations within SAPS. AZAPO also notes with great concern the deafening silence of the Government of National Unity on this bad decision made by the president. We further challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa to the true meaning of the “Honourable”, that comes with his name and position, by making honourable decisions that will enable the country to move out of the murky waters we are currently and continuously drenched in.