Gwede Mantashe slams opposition over ‘playing to the gallery’ claims in Phala Phala row

MK Party MP Wesley Douglas accused Parliament of shielding President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala matter, claiming there are “two South Africas” in how accountability is applied in political cases.

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has accused opposition parties of “playing to the gallery” in their criticism of President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala matter, arguing that they are ignoring legal processes involving other political leaders.

This comes after Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) Member of Parliament (MP) Wesley Douglas told the National Assembly Plenary that there are “two South Africas”, one where ordinary citizens face accountability, and another where the president and political elite are shielded from consequences.

Douglas said an independent Section 89 panel had already found prima facie evidence of serious constitutional violations involving Ramaphosa, arguing that Parliament had failed to act decisively on the matter.

“There are two South Africas. One for South Africa is for the poor. If you are accused of wrongdoing, you are investigated and compelled to step aside,'' he said.