Ramaphosa criticised over timing of Operation Vulindlela launch

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa launched the second phase of Operation Vulindlela on Wednesday, promising bold structural reforms to address spatial inequality, dysfunctional municipalities, and digital infrastructure gaps.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

But critics have questioned the timing of the announcement, suggesting the president is using the launch as a public relations exercise to distract from mounting scrutiny over what was going to be a 0.5% VAT increase.

The high-profile launch, held at the Union Buildings, came just days after Ramaphosa unveiled a long-awaited commission of inquiry into apartheid-era atrocities — an announcement that has drawn both praise and political pressure.

Some commentators and civil society groups argue that the president's renewed focus on economic reform is conveniently timed. "There’s a sense that Operation Vulindlela Phase Two is being used to manage optics," said political analyst Nompumelelo Hlatshwayo.

"While these reforms are vital, the sequence of announcements makes it appear like the president is trying to shift focus away from the more contentious issue of apartheid accountability."