Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Eyaaz
Published on 2024-03-01 09:48:51
President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken the decision to suspend Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Dipuo Peters, without pay for one month due to violations of the ministerial code of ethics. This suspension comes following a sanction imposed by Parliament’s joint committee of ethics and members interests for breaching the code of conduct while she held the position of Minister of Transport.
The presidency announced this decision in a statement on Friday, stating that the suspension period will be from 28 February to 28 March 1994. The parliamentary committee found that Peters’ failure to appoint a group chief executive officer at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) after a recruitment process had been initiated, resulted in a loss of R1.76 million for the entity.
The committee concluded that Peters had not acted in the public interest and had neglected her duties as a transport minister. Her dismissal of the Prasa board prematurely, allegedly to prevent the investigation findings of R14 billion in irregular expenditure during 2015, was also highlighted as a violation of the code of conduct. Peters had attempted to challenge the committee’s ruling in court but was unsuccessful.
In January, the Western Cape High Court denied Peters’ urgent application to halt parliamentary action, paving the way for her suspension. Peters also faced scrutiny over her decisions regarding Prasa during her 2021 testimony at the Zondo Commission into State Capture. She admitted that her failure to appoint a new CEO at Prasa was irrational and driven by frustration in dealing with the board chaired by Popo Molefe, whom she had fired.
The committee emphasized that Peters had put her personal interests above public trust and failed to fulfill her constitutional obligations. The suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining ethical standards in public office. Peters’ actions have raised concerns about accountability and responsibility in government leadership.
This incident highlights the need for transparency and integrity in political leadership. It serves as a cautionary tale for other officials to adhere to ethical standards and prioritize the public interest above personal gain. The consequences of breaching the code of ethics can have far-reaching implications, not only for the individual involved but for the reputation of the government as a whole.
In conclusion, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to suspend Deputy Minister Dipuo Peters sends a clear message that violations of the ministerial code of ethics will not be tolerated. It is a step towards upholding accountability and integrity in government, ensuring that public officials act in the best interests of the citizens they serve. Peters’ suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in public service and the consequences of failing to uphold these standards.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
