Accountability the test of leadership

The resignation of home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba was always going to be a contentious political issue for President Cyril Ramaphosa. This is not necessarily because Gigaba enjoys significant political clout in the various factions of the ANC. It is because for the Zuma faction at least, he is a useful example to point to, to legitimise a narrative that seeks to paint supporters of the former president as victims of a factional purge. Others have gone further to claim that Gigaba’s apparent push from cabinet is yet another example of an ANC of yesteryear that refuses to acknowledge and embrace young leaders in strategic positions.

Not only is this narrative disingenuous, it undermines a broader, legitimate struggle by young leaders who often have limitations placed on their abilities exclusively on the basis of their age.

Gigaba’s push from cabinet is indeed what we should all expect when a minister has betrayed public trust and undermined the oath of his office.

His resignation, therefore, is not to be commended, but rather understood as setting what should be normal precedent of leadership accountability in this country.

We must also be mindful that he is not the only one in the cabinet who does not deserve the honour of serving the SA public.

The question is what Ramaphosa will do about other compromised ministers in his cabinet such as Bathabile Dlamini, who has repeatedly shown contempt for the laws of the republic.

Indeed holding people like Dlamini accountable may be politically risky for Ramaphosa, particularly months before a general election.

They enjoy support from certain ANC constituencies that may have the muscle to derail his power in the party.

But regardless, navigating such political complexities to honour the principle of accountability will be the true test of Ramaphosa’s leadership and his commitment to restore good governance.