Cartoon of the day: 29 May 2025

South Africans rely on Members of Parliament to hold the executive, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, to account.

Ramaphosa appeared in the National Assembly this week to answer questions about race, the economy, apartheid-era crimes and the cost of living, among others.

Parliamentarians grilled him, arguing that he and his government had not done enough to stimulate economic growth, protect communities from crime and exploitation, and provide jobs.

They also questioned his promises of relief and reform, arguing that after 31 years in power, his party, the ANC, still promised to fix the same problems.

EFF members removed

EFF treasurer-general Omphile Maotwe was removed after her comment on Ramaphosa’s failures ran over the allotted time and sparked an argument in chambers.

The party complained about how Ramaphosa had responded to questions, their removal from chambers and virtual platforms, and the presence of security personnel in parliament.

“Instead of listening to what Sihle Lonzi was about to say, the deputy speaker of parliament accused him of raising ‘frivolous’ points of order and ruled that he be illegally removed from the house,” the party said on social media.

Amid the disruptions, Ramaphosa said he felt “abused”.

The president’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, expressed his support for Ramaphosa, stating that members of parliament demand accountability but interrupt when the president attempts to account.

Tired of excuses, many took to social media to voice their frustration and ask if the president will ever be held accountable.

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