Helen Zille, the Federal Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance DA, has commented on the recent cabinet reshuffle, specifically regarding the removal of Thembi Nkadimeng from the Justice Ministry. While Zille acknowledges that the move is fitting, she argues that Nkadimeng should have been placed on special leave until her involvement in the VBS Bank issue is fully resolved.
Nkadimeng has been moved to the position of Minister of Human Settlements, with Mamoloko Kubayi now taking over as the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. Zille pointed out that President Cyril Ramaphosa was aware of the allegations against Nkadimeng when he appointed her to the Justice Ministry. She questioned why the President is only now acting on the matter, especially since the VBS scandal is still before the courts. Zille stressed that a Minister of Justice must avoid any potential conflicts of interest, and if Nkadimeng indeed received a loan from VBS, it could present a serious conflict.
