馃嚳馃嚘South AfricaSouthern Africa
Public Protector clears Ramaphosa over Steenhuisen's Oval Office remarks
via The Citizen12 min read
The Public Protector has cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa of breaching the executive ethics code following a complaint regarding his silence during Minister John Steenhuisen's remarks in the Oval Office. The complaint, filed by MK party MP Mzwanele Manyi, alleged that Ramaphosa violated the code by not correcting or disassociating himself from Steenhuisen's comments made to US President Donald Trump on May 21, 2025. During that meeting, Steenhuisen stated that the DA joined the government of national unity GNU to prevent the EFF and the MK party from entering government. After an investigation, which included analyzing video recordings, correspondence, constitutional provisions, and the executive ethics code, the Public Protector found no evidence of a breach. The Public Protector determined that Steenhuisen made the comments as a DA leader, not as government policy, and that the President had no legal duty to rebut political statements made by a coalition partner in a diplomatic setting. The Public Protector also found no conflict between Ramaphosa's official responsibilities and any private interest, concluding that the allegations were unsubstantiated and the matter is formally closed. The Public Protector reiterated that political parties have the constitutional right to express their opinions, even within coalition governments, and such political speech does not automatically constitute executive misconduct.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that teaching posts within the department are being sold for money and sexual favors. The probe was initiated after a viral social media video surfaced, reportedly showing the wife of the department's head of communications, Muzi Mahlambi, accusing him of involvement in these activities. In the video, she claims female teachers either paid money or exchanged sexual favors to secure employment. Head of Department Nkosinathi Ngcobo ordered the independent investigation, emphasizing that the department views these allegations seriously as they impact public administration integrity and public trust. The department stated the investigation will be fair, credible, and impartial, considering all relevant evidence without fear or prejudice. They urged the public to provide any credible information to the investigating body or law enforcement authorities, committing to act decisively on the findings.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa鈥檚 condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.