Sisulu Ramaphosa step aside

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Lindiwe Sisulu. Images: GCIS/ Flickr

Ramaphosa vs Sisulu: Presidency ‘stands by’ statement on meeting

It appears that the back and forth between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has only just begun

Sisulu Ramaphosa step aside

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Lindiwe Sisulu. Images: GCIS/ Flickr

The supposed row between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has turned into an ugly game of ‘he said, she said’ in a matter of hours, as both are sticking to their own version of events.

All this stems from a controversial opinion piece Sisulu originally penned in The Star newspaper entitled, ‘Hi Mzansi, have we seen justice?’ – in which she criticises the constitution and black judges, claiming the rule of law does not serve African values and interests.

Sisulu, who is also a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), wrote the article in her capacity, but some reckon it was her way of igniting a leadership between Ramaphosa. She is reported to be eyeing the ANC presidency and intends going up against him when the party elects  new leadership at the end of the year.

THE PRESIDENCY RESPONDS TO LATEST SISULU STATEMENT

Now, the Presidency maintains that Lindiwe Sisulu did indeed apologise and withdraw her comments in the said article, during a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.

RECAP: On Thursday evening, 20 January 2022, the Presidency said Sisulu had apologised over her article after they met. According to Ramaphosa’s office, Sisulu ‘conceded that her words were inappropriate’ and retracted her remarks.

“I retract unequivocally my hurtful comments. I recognise that many women and men judges past and present have served their country in the judiciary with dedication and patriotism and some have made sterling sacrifices in the fight against apartheid and colonialism. I apologise for and regret the hurt I have caused the judiciary,” Sisulu is quoted as having said, by the Presidency.

It wasn’t long before Sisulu released a statement of her own, categorically denying ever issuing an apology or retraction about her remarks, but acknowledged that she did indeed meet with Ramaphosa.

“Under no circumstances did I commit to any retraction or apology since I stand by what I penned. The content of the president’s statement in its current form is unfortunate as it is not what we agreed on. In this regard, I wish to distance myself from such,” Sisulu said.