Ramaphosa suspends Deputy Minister Dipuo Peters for one month
Peters is also currently serving suspension from all Parliamentary business for a term. The sanctions stem from a complaint laid against her by lobby group Unite Behind, that she behaved negligently in the execution of her duties while overseeing beleaguered PRASA.
Transport Minister Dipuo Peters. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN – President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Dipuo Peters from her portfolio for a month.
It’s a double whammy for Peters, who’s currently serving a suspension from all Parliamentary business for a term after its joint ethics committee in 2023 found she had breached the code of ethical conduct during her time as the Minister of Transport.
The sanctions stem from a complaint laid against her by lobby group Unite Behind, that she behaved negligently in the execution of her duties while overseeing the beleaguered Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).
In January, Peters went to court in an attempt to contest Parliament’s findings and to stop it from suspending her from all Parliamentary business until the end of this month.
But her urgent application was struck from the roll.
While Unite Behind has been calling on the president to fire her, he’s taken a softer approach.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya:
“The suspension which will be without pay, became effective on the 28th of february and will end on the 28th of March.”
Parliament considered complaints against Peters that she had unfairly fired the PRASA board in 2017 when it uncovered widespread corruption at the agency.
She was also accused of authorising the use of PRASA buses for African National Congress (ANC) events that were never paid for.
Peters has been implicated in the Zondo Commission of Inquiry report for her handling of the transport portfolio during the state capture years.
Ramaphosa has, however, not acted against any of the ministers implicated by the inquiry.