Political analyst Professor Sethulego Matebesi has described the walkout by opposition parties during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s question-and-answer session in Parliament as unsurprising, saying it follows a familiar pattern of disruption over accountability matters.
Members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) Party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) walked out of the National Assembly before President Ramaphosa could begin his session. The EFF had sought to call for a motion of no confidence following the Constitutional Court’s ruling against Parliament over its inaction on an independent panel report, which found that Ramaphosa could have a case to answer.
“We have seen in the past how the EFF… posture when it comes to this kind of matters… during the Zuma era, and it was expected that at least they will disrupt today’s sitting,” Matebesi said.
He noted that while the EFF’s approach was anticipated, it was less clear what strategy the MK Party would adopt, and their decision to walk out was also notable.
Asked whether Parliament is effective in holding a sitting president accountable, Matebesi said context is critical. “Those with the numbers, those with the power, will use every single little effort to try and protect one of their own, and that is now the president,” he said. “That should not be surprising.”
He pointed to the long-standing dominance of the African National Congress (ANC) and noted that while South Africa has progressive legislation on paper, “there’s a huge gulf between our legislation, regulations and the behavior of our leaders.”
On the question of job creation, Matebesi agreed with the President’s assessment that both the private and public sectors have a role to play. He said the private sector is playing its part, but warned that relying on government as the leading job provider leads to a “chaotic situation.”
Regarding the dismissal of the Minister of Social Development, Matebesi rejected the idea that the move signals a broader shift toward accountability. “No, definitely not. I don’t think this signals a major shift in terms of consequence management,” he said, suggesting the former minister is “perhaps not an ardent or very close to the circle of the president.”
He contrasted this with the case of the suspended police minister, noting serious revelations from the Madlanga Commission. “There are too many instances where action has not been taken against public servants,” Matebesi concluded.