Walter and Albertina Sisulu Foundation Calls for President Ramaphosa to Step Down Over Corruption Inaction

The Walter and Albertina Sisulu Foundation has issued a bold call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign, accusing him of failing to confront the deepening corruption crisis in the country.

This comes in the wake of recent allegations involving top police officials and the President’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave.

The Foundation reacted strongly to Ramaphosa’s move to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Commissioner Mkhwanazi has accused Minister Mchunu and several senior police figures of interfering in ongoing criminal investigations, raising serious concerns about political meddling in law enforcement.

In a statement, the Foundation’s chairperson, Dr Allan Boesak, criticised what he described as the President’s lack of decisive leadership in tackling corruption and protecting the integrity of public institutions.

“We cannot pretend any longer that President Ramaphosa is serious about fighting corruption,” said Boesak. “Since the time he took office, we would have hoped for bold and clear leadership. But time and again, he has failed to act when it mattered. His inaction sends a message that there are no real consequences for those who undermine justice.”

Boesak said the President’s response to the growing crisis in the police ranks shows weakness rather than commitment. “Placing a minister on special leave and launching another inquiry are not signs of strong leadership. These are attempts to delay and deflect, not to resolve,” he added.

The Foundation, which upholds the legacy of anti-apartheid leaders Walter and Albertina Sisulu, said the public deserves more than promises and commissions. According to Boesak, ordinary South Africans continue to suffer the consequences of corruption, including poor service delivery, rising crime, and growing inequality.

The call for Ramaphosa’s resignation marks a rare intervention by a respected civil society organisation rooted in the country’s liberation history. It also reflects mounting frustration among citizens and civic leaders who feel that political accountability is being avoided under the guise of legal processes.

The Presidency has not yet responded to the Foundation’s statement. However, sources within government say the inquiry into the police interference claims will begin within the coming weeks, and the terms of reference are being finalised.

Political analysts say the situation places renewed pressure on the President, who has long positioned himself as a reformer committed to cleaning up government. But with public trust in law enforcement and political leadership continuing to decline, critics argue that time is running out for Ramaphosa to prove that his administration is serious about change.

For now, the Foundation is standing firm in its stance, insisting that only a fresh start under new leadership will restore public confidence and begin the difficult task of rebuilding institutions affected by years of political interference and corruption.