Deafening silence on hostage issue

IT IS surprising that President Cyril Ramaphosa remains totally silent on an important issue relating to three of his ministers being held hostage by military veterans. Ramaphosa’s silence is deafening. Also his silence on the corruption investigation against one of his premiers in the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, is surprising.

He was quick to act against ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, who is facing corruption and money laundering charges. Why no action against Mabuyane, who is accused of similar allegations?

Is it because action against Mabuyane could be costly for ANC during forthcoming local government elections?

Mabuyane holds the whip hand in the Eastern Cape region with voters and any action against him now could be detrimental for ANC in the elections.

Ramaphosa is the face for ANC in campaigning for voters and he has been jeered and booed by voters because of lack of service delivery and other issues.

The ANC stands to lose a lot of votes, hence no action against Mabuyane.

Even the military veterans who are facing hostage charges and were in court have vowed to not vote ANC.

Political observers and the public are also amazed that the head of the country has remained silent on a hostage issue involving the government and three of its ministers. Why?

Ramaphosa was quick to comment about the July unrest, referring to it as an insurrection.

Even there his ministers of defence and police failed to protect the country, its business and people.

Instead of firing them or taking action, he promoted one and left the other untouched.

These are the people who will support him for re-election next year.

He knows which side his bread is buttered on.

JUSTIN MOODLEY I Phoenix