Cyril Ramaphosa approaches the podium at the SONA Debate 2022, 16/2/2022 – Photo: SA Government
Cyril Ramaphosa approaches the podium at the SONA Debate 2022, 16/2/2022 – Photo: SA Government
Cyril Ramaphosa has made a rather bold declaration on Wednesday, in response to the DA’s shock decision to file a motion of no confidence against the president’s entire Cabinet.
Ramaphosa responds to Cabinet dismantling
The 69-year-old head of state was given the opportunity to bite back at the barrage of criticism levelled his way over the past 48 hours or so. Opposition figures have been taking part in the SONA Debate, responding to the speech Ramaphosa delivered in Cape Town City Hall on 10 February.
Cyril’s two-hour monologue has been praised in parts, but eviscerated in others. The president fought his corner on job creation, tackling gender-based violence, and eradicating corruption earlier this afternoon.
President backs his ministers
However, Ramaphosa was forced to defend his entire Cabinet, after no fewer than 11 serving members got an earful from DA leader John Steenhuisen earlier this week. He labelled the ministers as ‘a rag-tag bunch of crooks’, sparking a wild response from the makeshift benches of Parliament.
Ramaphosa’s retort was a much calmer affair, however. Without the whooping and cheering, he gave a comprehensive vote of confidence to his under-fire ministers, saying they are all ‘fully committed’ to their roles.
President Ramaphosa: I preside over a Cabinet of Ministers whom I and the people of South Africa have the greatest confidence and expectations. #SONA2022
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 16, 2022
Ramaphosa rejects DA criticism
The president even went one step further, claiming that ‘the people of South Africa’ are SUPPORTIVE of the Cabinet. Now, that might be a bit of a stretch – but it’s clear Ramaphosa does not agree with Mr. Steenhuisen.
“I preside over a Cabinet of ministers that are wholly committed to their responsibilities. Ministers in whom I have the greatest confidence as President … and, much more importantly, in whom the people of our country also have confidence and highest expectations.”
Cyril Ramaphosa at the SONA 2022 Debate
