By: Noluthando Mchunu
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa of any breach of the Executive Ethics Code following a complaint linked to remarks made during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House’s Oval Office on 21 May last year.
The investigation arose from comments made by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen concerning Government of National Unity (GNU) coalition arrangements. During the engagement, Steenhuisen told Trump that the Democratic Alliance (DA) had blocked both the MK Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from joining the GNU.
In its complaint, the MK Party argued that Ramaphosa should have distanced himself from, or corrected, Steenhuisen’s remarks about the party during the official US visit. The party maintained that the President’s silence could be interpreted as tacit endorsement of statements it considered politically charged and inappropriate in a diplomatic setting.
However, the Public Protector found no evidence of misconduct. Gcaleka concluded that Steenhuisen’s comments regarding the MK Party and the EFF were made in his capacity as DA leader, and did not constitute official government policy or a position attributable to the President.
The report further underscores the distinction between party-political expression and executive conduct, noting that members of the GNU may, at times, speak in dual capacities. In this instance, there was insufficient basis to hold Ramaphosa accountable under the Executive Ethics Code.
