Ramaphosa must deliver on promise to act against non-performing ministers
25 April 2024
AfriForum has written a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting detailed feedback on Bheki Cele, the Minister of Police’s professional performance, as expected from him according to his presidential performance agreement.
The agreement signed between Cele and Ramaphosa took effect in June 2019 and will come to an end in April 2024. The agreement clearly stipulates targets in crime reduction and successful prosecution that Cele is expected to reach.
According to the performance agreement, Cele is expected to ensure the following, among other obligations:
A 70% conviction rate for serious fraud and corruption in the private sectors.
A 70% conviction rate for serious fraud and corruption in the public sectors.
That 90% of identified drug syndicates are neutralised with arrests.
That 90% of identified clandestine laboratories are dismantled with arrests.
That 72% of registered serious organised crime project investigations are successfully closed.
That 100% of identified illegal mining operations should be responded to in relation to requests received.
A 6,9% reduction in crimes against women.
“If one looks at the crime situation in South Africa, it is almost certain that minister Cele failed to reach his targets as set out in his performance agreement. The president himself assured citizens that steps would be taken against cabinet ministers who did not reach their targets. Therefore, we want detailed feedback about the matter and also want the president to indicate what steps will be taken against Cele, should the assessment indicate that he has been sleeping on the job, as he clearly has,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety.
“Crime is one of the biggest issues affecting every citizen of this country. We cannot afford to have an underperforming, out of touch and incompetent person in such an important role as Minister of Police. It’s simple, Cele must go,” concludes Broodryk.
Sign the petition for Ramaphosa to act against Cele.
Find soundbites, letter and Cele’s performance agreement attached.
Issued by Jacques Broodryk, Chief Spokesperson: Community Safety, AfriForum, 25 April 2024
