Motshekga backs Ramaphosa for waiting for dust to settle on Mkhwanazi allegations before addressing nation
Motshekga said that for the president to have pronounced himself on the issue too quickly after it happened would have been irresponsible.
FILE: President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke at the launch of Operation Vulindlela Phase II at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 7 May 2025. Picture: @GovernmentZA/X
JOHANNESBURG - Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said that President Cyril Ramaphosa did well allowing for things to quieten before addressing the nation on damning allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and some top officials at the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Ramaphosa was in Brazil attending the BRICS Summit when Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held a media briefing, accusing the minister of political interference.
ALSO READ:
• DA lays criminal charges against Police Minister Mchunu
• National SAPS reveals Mkhwanazi receiving threats since bombshell media briefing
• 3 parliamentary committees to probe Mkhwanazi's allegations of corruption within SAPS
• Mchunu, Cele, Nkabane to appear before ANC's integrity commission
• Mchunu admits knowing Brown Mogotsi after denying in Parliament
• Mchunu insists he's never met alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala
The KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner also suggested that Mchunu’s bid to disband the political killings task team was at the behest of businessmen who funded his political activities, while at the same time referring to deputy commissioner of crime detection, General Shadrack Sibiya, as a criminal.
Motshekga said that for the president to have pronounced himself on the issue too quickly after it happened would have been irresponsible.
"I think he did well just to allow the dust to settle but more important, to speak to all the involved parties so he has an informed perspective of what is happening, even speak to intelligence officers to say what have they picked up, so you really have a balanced view before you speak."
Meanwhile, Motshekga, in response to Parliament’s portfolio committee chair on defence Dakota Legoete’s criticism over a shrinking defence budget, said that Parliament was made aware of the issue because of the department.
Last week, Motshekga delivered her department’s budget vote, which went from R58 billion in the last fiscus to R57 billion this time around.
The minister said that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was operating at 50% and remained at risk.
"Even giving them the figures of what as Parliament, but what also Cabinet should do and the president is very conscious and aware of the problems. He’s tasked Treasury to engage with us to see what it is we can do urgently, but the envelope is tight."
READ MORE:
• Holomisa warns of escalating domestic threats, wants military to enhance SA's internal security
• Motshekga tables defence budget, says dept will do more with 'the little we have'