Power must be exercised responsibly and rationally

THE leadership of our country continues to repeat past mistakes, undermining effective governance.

- PAKES DIKGETSI

The recent decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry has plunged South Africa into a new political quagmire, threatening the stability of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

This action, taken without adequate consultation or transparency, reflects a troubling disregard for the principles of responsible and rational governance enshrined in our Constitution. The GNU, formed to foster cooperative governance among diverse political parties, relies on consultation, transparency, and trust to function effectively.

However, as DA leader John Steenhuisen explained in Parliament on June 26, the president's decision to remove the deputy minister was made unilaterally, bypassing key GNU partners.

Steenhuisen highlighted that the dismissal was announced abruptly, with no prior discussion with coalition members, and appeared motivated by political posturing rather than substantive policy disagreements.

This approach, which Steenhuisen described as prioritising "cheap politicking" over coalition unity, undermines the collaborative spirit of the GNU and risks destabilising its complex arrangements. Comparing this situation to the leadership styles of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki is misguided and reveals a lack of historical perspective.