A row over ministerial competence has erupted in South Africa’s coalition government, with the second-largest party calling for the removal of a key cabinet member. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have accused Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan of presiding over the collapse of state-owned entities and failing to deliver on turnaround plans. The party is demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa dismiss Gordhan, citing years of mismanagement at power utility Eskom and logistics firm Transnet.
EFF leader Julius Malema said the minister’s tenure has been marked by “inexcusable incompetence” and that his continued presence in the cabinet is costing the economy billions. The move threatens to destabilise the fragile coalition between the African National Congress and the EFF, which was formed after the ANC lost its majority in May’s election. Analysts say the EFF’s demand is partly a bid to position itself as a champion of service delivery ahead of the next elections.
With blackouts and port delays crippling industry and households, the pressure on Gordhan has been mounting. The presidency has not yet responded, but sources say Ramaphosa is unlikely to yield to the EFF’s ultimatum, as it could set a precedent for further demands.
