Thembi Nkadimeng should be on special leave, not reshuffled: Zille


2 minutes

Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Chairperson, Helen Zille says although the move to remove Thembi Nkadimeng from the Justice Ministry is fitting, she should have been placed on special leave until her involvement in the VBS bank issue is resolved.

The Presidency announced a cabinet reshuffle last night.

Nkadimeng will now serve as the Minister of Human Settlements, while Human Settlements Minister Mamoloko Kubayi will be replacing her as the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Zille says President Cyril Ramaphosa knew of the allegations against Nkadimeng before appointing her to the justice ministry, but why is he only acting now.

“The whole VBS scandal is still before the courts, and a Minister of Justice can have absolutely no conflict of interests in that position. And of course, if it is true that Minister Nkadimeng got a loan from the VBS, then her position would create a very major conflict of interest.”

“So it is very important that she is moved out of Justice and Constitutional Development. But frankly, I think she should be put on special leave until the case against her is either established or not if the case may be,” explains Zille.-Reporting by Diteboho Ntamane