The reverberation of Lindiwe Sisulu’s open letter is still being felt in political circles and at the receiving end of its culminations is President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The president, who’s attention is owed to Part Two of the State Capture Report, received earlier this week, will have to heed calls from his constituency for decisive action on the perceived infringements Sisulu made in questioning the integrity of the rule of law.
Lindiwe Sisulu to be hauled to integrity committee
More pertinently, reports from insiders in the ANC’s national executive committee suggest Ramaphosa is being cornered into ruling with an iron fist, particularly over the public meltdown that resulted from Sisulu’s outright denial of the Presidency’s statement on the outcomes of their meeting.
“We made it very clear to the president that she has crossed the line, and also she called the president a liar, so action must be taken against her in government,” an NEC member told Sunday Times.
The tourism minister met with the ANC’s Top Six this week and, according to treasurer-general Paul Mashatile, she was advised to appear before Deputy President David Mabuza “to explain herself.”
Mashatile also confirmed that Sisulu will also, in the days to come, be summoned to appear before the party’s integrity committee.
“Minister Sisulu explained to the leadership of the ANC what was happening. We had engagements with her and we want to keep it that way. We have asked her to see the deputy president. There are certain things she will explain to him and they will report to us,” Mashatile said.
ANC higher-ups want Sisulu booted from government
A familiar unbundling process we’ve seen before with the ex-communication of the likes of Malusi Gigaba and Ace Magashule, perhaps?
Regardless, noise coming from ANC decision-makers suggests all eyes are on Ramaphosa.
“This matter does not deserve any leniency because the minister dares you as the president. Like in any employment [relationship], if you challenge your boss, the boss will tell you to pack your things and go because he’s the boss. He’s the one in charge,” the source stressed.