A fierce political battle has ignited following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent Cabinet reshuffle, which saw the controversial return of Dina Pule as the new Social Development Minister.

The DA has formally written to the director-general in the Presidency and secretary to Cabinet, demanding an immediate, comprehensive lifestyle audit of the newly appointed Minister. Conversely, the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) has fiercely defended the appointment, praising Pule’s leadership credentials.

The DA completely rejected and condemned Ramaphosa’s decision, declaring Pule utterly unfit to hold office. The opposition party pointed directly to her track record of unethical conduct, which previously led to her removal from Cabinet in disgrace.

DA spokesperson on Social Development Nazley Sharif highlighted the severity of Pule's past transgressions, which include serious findings of maladministration by the Public Protector, criminal investigations and misleading Parliament, a formal reprimand by the Speaker for bringing Parliament into disrepute and unlawful payments totalling R10-million.

Sharif emphasised that Pule previously facilitated a scheme allowing her boyfriend to unlawfully benefit from R6-million in taxpayer funds.

"For this reason, no one can trust Dina Pule with State resources, and the DA demands that upon her coming into office a lifestyle audit must immediately be conducted," Sharif stated. "This will provide a baseline upon which her Ministerial tenure may be measured."

The DA vowed to protect social assistance beneficiaries, noting that Pule was previously fired by former President Jacob Zuma because her conduct was too severe to tolerate.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

In stark contrast, the ANCWL warmly welcomed the appointment, expressing absolute confidence in Pule's leadership abilities and governance acumen.

ANCWL secretary-general Nokuthula Nqaba dismissed public criticism and media reports attempting to vilify Pule over past transgressions. Aligning with the sentiments of ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, Nqaba stated that Pule successfully underwent a rigorous corrective process 13 years ago.

The league highlighted Pule's strong political and governance profile.

"Her wealth of experience in governance makes her an exemplary candidate for this position," Nqaba opined. "We are convinced that Comrade Dina will make a meaningful contribution to the country's social development, and we pledge our full support to her."

The ANCWL concluded that her return to the executive represents a significant milestone for gender equality and the advancement of women into strategic State roles.