The leader of South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, has called for the immediate dismissal of a cabinet minister, invoking the British constitutional principle of ministerial responsibility. The demand, issued on Tuesday, targets the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, over allegations of mismanagement and corruption in state-owned enterprises.
Steenhuisen argued that the Westminster system, on which South Africa's parliamentary framework is based, requires ministers to resign or be removed when they lose the confidence of the legislature or the public. "The British model is clear: a minister who cannot defend their department's integrity must go," he told reporters in Cape Town. The call comes amid mounting criticism of Gordhan's handling of Eskom, the struggling power utility, and Transnet, the freight logistics firm.
Constitutional experts note that while South Africa's post-apartheid constitution incorporates elements of the British system, it does not codify a strict doctrine of individual ministerial responsibility. Instead, accountability rests primarily with the president, who appoints and dismisses cabinet members. However, Steenhuisen's invocation of the British precedent underscores the ongoing influence of colonial-era institutional norms.
The ruling African National Congress dismissed the demand as political posturing. Party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stated that Gordhan retained the confidence of President Cyril Ramaphosa and was making progress in restructuring state enterprises. "The DA is grandstanding. Our constitution is sovereign, not British customs," she said.
Political analysts suggest the incident reflects deeper tensions in South Africa's hybrid system, which blends elements of parliamentary and presidential governance. Dr. Nomvula Sibeko of the University of Cape Town observed: "Ministerial accountability remains a grey area. The British model offers clarity, but it is not legally binding here."
With general elections expected in 2024, the DA is seeking to capitalise on public frustration with state failure. Whether Gordhan's position is truly at risk remains uncertain, but the debate over constitutional models is unlikely to subside.
