President Cyril Ramaphosa is not considering referendum to decide on secession of any part of South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear that he has no plans to hold a referendum on the secession of any part of South Africa. “The founding provisions of our Constitution state that the Republic of South Africa is one, sovereign, democratic state,” Ramaphosa said.
He made the statement while responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Thapelo Mogale, who asked whether he intends holding a referendum to test public opinion for or against secession of the Western Cape, the creation of a Volkstaat for Afrikaners and Western Cape independence. Ramaphosa also stated that he has not been lobbied by any component of the Government of National Unity on the matter. Responding to EFF leader Julius Malema, Ramaphosa said there are 43 deputy ministers appointed in terms of Section 93 of the Constitution in the Government of National Unity.
“As required by Section 93 of the Constitution, the deputy ministers are appointed to assist the ministers,” he said. Malema wanted clarity on whether deputy ministers were assigned delegated authority and signed performance agreements. He also asked about consequence management measures that have been implemented for ministers who have not delegated official duties in writing to their deputy ministers.
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This came hot on the heels of evidence given at the Ad Hoc Committee where Deputy Ministers Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo revealed that they were not assigned functions by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The revelation re-ignited the ongoing debate on whether there is a need for deputy ministers and monies used to pay for their remuneration, allowances, and benefits.
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