South Africa has been in the grips of political turmoil as recent events have seen President Cyril Ramaphosa make a series of cabinet changes. These changes have been met with both praise and criticism from various sectors of society. One such change that has been heavily debated is the dismissal of former Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, and the subsequent appointment of Pravin Gordhan’s replacement, Dondo Mogajane.

However, prominent advocate and politician, Dali Mpofu, has now weighed in on the matter, stating that the act of dismissing a minister to appoint a new one is unlawful. Mpofu, who is well-known for his involvement in high-profile legal battles and his political activism, has stated that this move by President Ramaphosa goes against the laws and principles of our democracy.

Mpofu, speaking on behalf of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), stated that the dismissal of Gordhan and the appointment of Mogajane was a violation of the Constitution and was against the rules of natural justice. He argued that the decision lacked transparency and was made solely at the discretion of the President, without considering the opinions of other political parties and the public.

According to Mpofu, the President should have followed the correct procedures outlined in the Constitution when making cabinet changes. This includes notifying the public of the reasons for the minister’s dismissal and allowing them to provide feedback. He also suggested that the President should have consulted with other political parties and taken their views into consideration before making any changes.

Furthermore, Mpofu highlighted the fact that a minister, once appointed, serves at the will of the President for the duration of their term. Therefore, the President does not have the power to dismiss a minister for no valid reason, without following due process.

This sentiment has been echoed by various other political parties and legal experts, who have criticized the President’s actions as being hasty and unconstitutional. They have also raised concerns about the potential damage to the country’s economy and stability, as the Public Enterprises Ministry is key in driving economic growth and development.

In a time where South Africa is facing numerous challenges, both economically and socially, it is crucial for our leaders to act in accordance with the laws and principles of our democracy. The dismissal of a minister, without following proper procedures and providing valid reasons, only serves to undermine the credibility and integrity of our government.

While the President has the right to make changes to his cabinet, it is imperative that these changes are done in a lawful and transparent manner. This ensures that the best interests of the country and its citizens are taken into consideration, and that those in positions of authority are held accountable for their actions.

In light of these recent events, Mpofu has called for the public to stand together and demand accountability from our leaders. He has urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights and hold the government accountable for their actions, as this is the foundation of a true democracy.

It is clear that Mpofu’s stance on the matter is not to defend Pravin Gordhan, but rather to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. He believes that no individual, regardless of their political affiliations, should be subjected to unfair treatment or dismissal without just cause.

The dismissal of a minister and the subsequent appointment of a replacement is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. It is essential that all decisions made by our leaders are in the best interests of the country and its citizens, and are done in a manner that upholds the values of our democracy.

In conclusion, Dali Mpofu’s statement serves as a reminder to all South Africans that we should not simply accept the actions of our leaders without questioning them. It is our responsibility, as citizens, to hold our government accountable and ensure that they act within the boundaries of the law. Let us continue to demand transparency, fairness, and justice from our leaders, as this is the only way to build a prosperous and democratic nation.