Sadtu criticizes Geordin Hill-Lewis over claims of sabotage against DA ministers
via The Citizen12 min read
The South African Democratic Teachers Union Sadtu has criticized DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis for alleging that senior officials in the Department of Basic Education are sabotaging Minister Siviwe Gwarube. Gwarube, appointed basic education minister in 2024, faced scrutiny over irregularities in a R1.6 billion textbook tender, where Lighthouse Publishers Pty Ltd received R285 million despite being registered shortly after the contract briefing. Hill-Lewis stated on Newzroom Afrika that Gwarube is not to blame for departmental issues, suggesting a "relentless campaign" by senior officials, possibly linked to the ANC, to obstruct reforms and accountability. He also claimed these officials leaked confidential internal information. Sadtu spokesperson Nomusa Cembi accused Hill-Lewis of playing politics, challenging him to provide evidence of sabotage for disciplinary action. Cembi emphasized that senior officials are qualified professionals with contracts and would not defy the minister without cause. She urged the DA to hold its minister accountable and work constructively with officials, noting that not all public servants are ANC-affiliated. Hill-Lewis also defended Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, another DA minister, after his department withdrew a draft national AI policy found to contain AI-generated content and fake citations.
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Some members of the Democratic Alliance DA are reportedly upset about the decision to remove former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his position as agriculture minister. The discontent stems from an alleged agreement between current DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, where Steenhuisen would retain his ministerial role if he did not seek another term as party leader. Hill-Lewis has since written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing Steenhuisen's replacement by Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, with Steenhuisen moving to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Ramaphosa has not yet confirmed these changes. Some DA members claim they were not consulted on the reshuffle, with one source suggesting that Hill-Lewis's decision has exposed party divisions and that Steenhuisen feels "betrayed." Political analyst Prof Theo Neethling indicated that the move might be "pure DA damage control" due to Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which alienated many farmers. Hill-Lewis, however, stated his decision was made in the best interests of the DA and the government of national unity, prioritizing public and voter loyalty.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, stated she does not hold her father responsible for her expulsion from the MK party, instead blaming individuals surrounding the party's leadership. She made these comments at a media briefing on Sunday, following her and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's expulsion from the party on Thursday. Zuma-Sambudla indicated she has not yet discussed the expulsion with her father but plans to do so next week. The party cited a series of actions, public statements, and activities by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela as reasons for their removal. Zuma-Sambudla was accused of undermining party unity and promoting factional narratives, while Ndhlela was accused of unauthorized media briefings and misrepresenting party positions. Ndhlela claims that both his and Zuma's roles in the MK party were undermined and that he and Zuma-Sambudla will challenge their expulsions in the high court, asserting that no disciplinary hearing was held before their removal.
A Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, 44, was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit SIU investigator with R70,000 to disregard evidence in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns allegations of maladministration and corruption related to two tenders by the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Gumani reportedly approached three SIU investigators, offering R10,000 in cash as part of the bribe during a meeting in Mahikeng. The SIU, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Hawks, conducted an entrapment operation leading to Gumani's arrest. He faces corruption charges and appeared in the Molopo Magistrates' Court, with his case postponed to June 29, 2026, for a bail application. The SIU stated that its investigators maintain high integrity and that attempts to corrupt them will be met with legal action.