Issued by Christo van der Rheede on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation on 27/06/2025

* This statement was first published by News24.

The President’s prerogative is not just to appoint and dismiss Ministers! He must hold them accountable! In this respect he fails miserably.

It is also important that the President must act consistently and treat all his Cabinet members with the same respect. His credibility as the President is, therefore, seriously compromised by the sudden dismissal of Andrew Whitfield. This does not inspire confidence!

What about ANC ministers who blatantly undermine him, who are accused of all kinds of wrongdoing, unprofessional conduct and who underperform? 

This contradicts the letter and spirit of the Declaration of Intent which all GNU cabinet members and political parties should subscribe to. What has become of the ideal as contained in the Declaration of creating a competent and ethical state?

Our country is facing massive crises and we need professional, committed and ethical Ministers and a competent state to take the country forward! Unfortunately, the President is failing to show ANC Ministers who do not rise to the occasion the door. Publicly Ministers such as the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane are asked to explain themselves to the President, but no action is taken by the President. The public, therefore, has the right to ask questions about the President’s consistency and political will to act in the best interest of the country. 

Inconsistent action by the President, unwillingness to hold the ANC Minister accountable and a poor application of performance management by the President have serious implications for the country, but even more so for the President’s stature.

Furthermore, it makes a mockery of his own commitment in Parliament to the GNU and the fact that he sells it internationally as a symbol of unity and as instrumental in the country’s progress! Why the inconsistent action Mr President?