Speaking on Tuesday during a debate in parliament on the president’s state of the nation address (SONA) delivered last week‚ Maimane said Ramaphosa was there all along while the national debt rose to almost billions of dollars and the economy dipped into recession.
Maimane noted that state captured power utility Eskom and other state-owned companies fell under the political oversight of Ramaphosa when he served as Zuma’s deputy.
Maimane also expressed surprise at Ramaphosa’s statement that he was shocked when Eskom implemented Stage 4 load-shedding on Monday.
“This morning’s headlines say that you were ‘shocked’ by Stage 4 load-shedding. How can you be shocked‚ Mr President? You were there all along‚” he asked him.
Referring to the numerous motions of no confidence in Zuma‚ Maimane told Ramaphosa: “You didn’t arrive on the scene a year ago. Eight times you had the opportunity to save our country from Zuma and eight times you voted to protect Zuma.
“You speak of nine wasted years to absolve yourself of the integral role you played as second-in-command. But let’s be honest: while these might be nine wasted years for South Africa‚ they most certainly were not wasted for the (ruling) African National Congress.
“Everyone made money. Everyone got a new car. Everyone got deals for their family members‚ tender‚ shares and positions on boards. Even you and your son benefited,” Maimane charged.