President Ramaphosa's Cabinet Assessments Remain Confidential to Avoid Political Misuse

Amid calls for transparency and accountability in the South African government, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his stance on keeping the performance assessments of cabinet ministers under wraps. Addressing the media in Cape Town, presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya explained that the decision to keep these assessments confidential is deliberate to prevent their misuse as political tools to tarnish the reputation of Ramaphosa's colleagues.

The controversy arose after the Democratic Alliance (DA), the official opposition, filed a Promotion of Access to Information Act (Paia) application demanding the release of the ministers' performance reviews conducted between April and July. The DA's application was rejected, inciting criticism from DA MP Zak Mbhele, who argued that performance review outcomes should not be classified materials and an appeal would follow the denial.

Magwenya stated that the presidency is not obligated to disclose the performance assessments publicly. He expressed that the fundamental goal of such evaluations is constructive development, aimed at ensuring the government operates efficiently and implements the president's priorities swiftly.

Despite the DA's contention that such information should be available for public scrutiny to foster accountability, Magwenya maintained that ministers are already held accountable through a transparent parliamentary process. He pointed out that annual reports are published, portfolio committee hearings are conducted, and the robust nature of the South African Parliament in holding ministers accountable is evident.

While transparency is a key facet of a functioning democracy, the president's office argues that these internal performance discussions are akin to those between an employer and employees, focusing on assessing and accelerating progress on key priorities rather than public shaming or political point-scoring.

The approach adopted by President Ramaphosa hinges on intervention and rectification where performance gaps are identified, rather than exposing his ministers to potential public embarrassment or political attacks. The presidency asserts that this method allows for immediate remedial action without the fallout of politicizing governance issues.

The debate over the secrecy of the performance assessments highlights a tension between the principles of transparency and effective governance. While transparency advocates argue that access to such reviews would strengthen democratic accountability, the presidency defends the privacy of the assessments as a tactical measure to preserve the constructive nature of the performance evaluations.

As South Africa grapples with the complexities of governance, accountability, and political dynamics, this discussion underscores the delicate balance that leaders must strike in maintaining the confidence of both their colleagues and the public. President Ramaphosa's administration continues to navigate these waters, facing ongoing scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society groups.