South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged his Justice Minister, Thembi Simelane, to address allegations of corruption that have intensified calls for her resignation.
According to a statement from the president’s office, released on Wednesday August 28, Ramaphosa expressed concern over media reports detailing allegations against Simelane. These reports suggest that Simelane received a questionable loan exceeding R500,000 ($28,000) while serving as mayor of Polokwane in Limpopo province from 2014 to 2021. The reports also link this loan to the VBS Mutual Bank fraud scandal, which saw the bank collapse in 2018 following claims of looting by executives and politicians.
In response, the presidency has requested a comprehensive report and briefing from Simelane on the allegations.
Several political factions in South Africa have demanded her resignation and a thorough investigation. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a left-wing opposition party, has called for Simelane’s “immediate resignation” due to her purported involvement in the bank’s looting, although some EFF members are themselves under suspicion for accepting bribes related to the scandal.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a center-right party, has raised concerns about Simelane’s integrity and her capacity to effectively uphold justice.
Simelane, 51, was appointed as Justice Minister in June 2024 after the African National Congress (ANC) formed a coalition with the DA and other smaller parties following the May elections.