President Cyril Ramaphosa received and accepted a letter of resignation from the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba.
“The President has accepted the Minister’s resignation and expressed his appreciation for Minister’s Gigaba longstanding service to government and the people of South Africa,” the Presidency said on Tuesday.
Gigaba was appointed as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs in 2004 and subsequently served as Minister of Public Enterprises, Minister of Finance and, for two intervals, as Minister of Home Affairs.
Gigaba indicated in his letter of resignation that he was stepping aside “for the sake of our country and the movement to which he belongs” and to “relieve the President from undue pressure and allow him to focus on improving the lives of the people of South Africa and for him to do the best he can to serve the country and save it from the economic meltdown”.
Opposition parties welcome the resignation and consider it long due, considering the several violations of oath of office.
The finding came after a high court in February this year found that he had lied under oath and violated the Constitution by reneging on the approval. Just last week, Gigaba defended his actions, insisting he would not resign but has now done an about-turn.
Gigaba has been severely criticised for his role in granting citizenship to members of the controversial Gupta family, who are at the centre of state capture allegations.
The EFF said Gigaba had been a “Gupta stooge” and had brought shame and corruption during his tenure.
President Ramaphosa has requested Minister of Transport Dr Blade Nzimande to act as Minister of Home Affairs until a permanent appointment is made.
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