South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faces calls to remove Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen and Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, both affiliated with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Gillian Schutte, a filmmaker and prominent activist for social and racial justice, argues that such action is necessary to protect the nation’s sovereignty.
She asserts that the DA’s recent actions, particularly the unilateral announcement of visa-free access for Ukrainian diplomatic passport holders, undermine both South Africa’s sovereignty and the authority of the President.
Schutte stated that Schreiber, who oversees the Department of Home Affairs, made this decision without proper consultation with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation or the Presidential Office, challenging established governmental protocols and the nation’s foreign policy.
Adding to the controversy, Schutte pointed out that Steenhuisen, as Minister of Agriculture and leader of the DA, notably skipped the recent BRICS summit in Russia, which was crucial for discussions on food security and agriculture—issues directly linked to his responsibilities.
She expressed concern over Steenhuisen’s absence, calling it unprecedented, especially given the summit’s relevance to his portfolio.
Furthermore, Schutte highlighted Steenhuisen’s public criticism of President Ramaphosa’s diplomatic efforts with Russian President Vladimir Putin, viewing it as an act of defiance that undermines both the President’s authority and South Africa’s commitment to BRICS.
She suggested that the actions of Schreiber, Steenhuisen, and the DA reflect a deeper agenda, hinting at motivations beyond mere political opposition that may lead them to disregard national interests.
Schutte also referenced the DA’s opposition to the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which aims to centralize educational policies and promote inclusivity.
She interpreted the DA’s boycott of the bill’s signing ceremony as a clear indication of their defiance against government reforms.
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Schutte urged President Ramaphosa to act decisively against what she perceives as “insubordination,” advocating for the immediate dismissal of both ministers to safeguard South Africa’s sovereignty and uphold the integrity of its foreign relations.
She warned that failure to respond could lead to a troubling precedent, signaling an alarming acceptance of dissent that could weaken the government’s unity and diminish the country’s global standing.
