By now, South Africans are all too familiar with the phrase “step aside.” It’s become the ANC’s somewhat shaky badge of honour—a rule designed to reassure us that the party is serious about rooting out corruption within its ranks. President Ramaphosa proudly reaffirmed this commitment during the party’s January 8th address, declaring that party members facing serious allegations shouldn’t wait until formal charges are filed—they should step aside the moment they’re implicated. But like most things in politics, it’s one thing to have a rule and quite another to enforce it consistently.

Enter Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a minister in the presidency and one of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s key confidants.

On Monday, News24 reported that the Hawks have wrapped up their investigation into an irregular tender worth R2.5 million, awarded during Ntshavheni’s time as municipal manager of Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality back in 2009. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is reportedly gearing up to press charges. Yet, despite this, Ntshavheni remains in her seat—a position that, ironically, oversees state security and government communications.

Let’s be clear: the charges may still be pending, but the allegations are damning. 

What’s the case about?

In 2009, Ntshavheni, as the municipal manager, oversaw the awarding of a contract to Makwande Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. Initially worth R584,000, the contract ballooned to over R2.5 million after an alleged oral agreement with Ntshavheni expanded the scope of work.

A Polokwane High Court ruling in 2020 saw Judge Gerrit Muller describe the deal as “repugnant and devastating,” highlighting irregularities, including the late submission of the bid and procedural violations. The contract’s legality was further questioned when it emerged that only R268,681.40 was paid, while the remainder became the subject of protracted litigation.

If that isn’t enough to sound the ethical alarm, Ntshavheni’s tenure at Ba-Phalaborwa has been marred by criticism and a track record of mismanagement.

An Auditor-General’s report for the 2008/09 financial year cited significant financial mismanagement, including:

  • Nearly R25 million in unauthorised, irregular, and fruitless expenditure.
  • R53.1 million in unexplained bad debts, later estimated to exceed R100 million.
  • R468,371 lost due to employee misconduct involving prepaid electricity payments.

These findings paint a troubling picture of Ntshavheni’s leadership at the municipality, raising further questions about her suitability for her current role. This is hardly the track record one expects from a minister tasked with safeguarding our nation’s integrity. 

Why is this resurfacing now?

The Hawks recently confirmed they have finalised their investigation, and the docket is with the NPA for a prosecution decision. Limpopo NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi declined to comment on whether charges against Ntshavheni are imminent, but sources indicate that charge sheets are being prepared.

This development places Ntshavheni in a precarious position, especially given her role overseeing state security and government communication, with some arguing that her continued presence in such a sensitive portfolio undermines public confidence.

The bigger picture: ANC’s step-aside rule

As mentioned earlier, the ANC’s step-aside rule was supposedly strengthened earlier this year as part of its “renewal” agenda. President Ramaphosa proudly reaffirmed this commitment during the party’s January 8th address, declaring that party members facing serious allegations shouldn’t wait until formal charges are filed—they should step aside the moment they’re implicated. But here’s the catch: enforcing this rule often depends on who you are and how much political capital you hold.

Previous cases, such as that of former Minister of Justice Thembi Simelane and former Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa, illustrate the party’s approach to similar situations. Kodwa stepped aside following allegations in the State Capture report. However, Simelane was silently reshuffled after her implication in the VBS Bank scandal.

This isn’t just about one minister or one tender. Ntshavheni’s case is emblematic of a larger problem: the ANC’s failure to hold its senior members accountable in a way that inspires public confidence. If the party is truly committed to its renewal project, it cannot afford to pick and choose when to apply its own rules.

Ntshavheni’s response

Through her spokesperson, Ntshavheni has requested time to respond to the allegations, citing a brief period of sick leave.

The ANC, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula dismissed calls for her removal, stating: “There’s nothing about Ntshavheni we need to respond to at the present moment.”

What happens next?

With local government elections in 2026, the party is desperate to regain its majority. Its campaign hinges on convincing voters that it has turned over a new leaf. But how can it sell this narrative when one of its top ministers is mired in allegations of fraud and corruption?

As the Hawks and NPA inch closer to a decision, all eyes are on Ntshavheni and the ANC’s next move. Whether she steps aside voluntarily or is forced to do so, the outcome will send a strong signal about South Africa’s commitment to fighting corruption at the highest levels of government. For now, the ball is in the NPA’s court, but the clock is ticking for Ntshavheni.