Hypocritical, unfair criticism just a few words used in debate over Mabuyane’s leave

Political commentator, Goodenough Mashego, says it’s hypocritical for Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, to take a month-long leave while his province is dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster that’s left 102 people dead and thousands others displaced following last month’s floods which wreaked havoc in the province, especially in the O.R. Tambo and Amathole District municipalities.

Some families are still holding up hope to find their missing relatives as search operations continue.

While the Premier was visible and presided over a briefing soon after the disaster, he took many South Africans by surprise and raised the ire of some when he announced that he will be taking some time off to supp0rt his sons who have gone to initiation.

He appointed Finance MEC, Mlungisi Mvoko, to act in his position.

Despite this, however, Mashego believes that as a Premier of an underperforming province on many spheres, Mabuyane should’ve reconsidered taking leave.

Speaking to YNews, he slammed his move as an abuse of culture.

 

Some experts have, however, thrown their weight behind Mabuyane.

Leadership begins at home. I took leave to stand by my two sons as they transitioned from boyhood to manhood. In a time of high risk, I’m intentional about being a present father.

— Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane (@MabuyaneOscar) June 29, 2025

The President of the Icamagu Spirituality and cultural expert, Professor Nokuzola Mndende, believes there is nothing wrong with Mabuyane’s decision and says his critics are just fanning a non-existent flame.

 

Another cultural expert, Professor Luvuyo Ntombana, agrees with his colleague, Professor Mndende and describes the uproar as unwarranted.

Professor Ntombana says the Eastern Cape Premier has done due diligence to ensure that the province is taken care of in his absence.

Governance expert, Professor Sam Koma, says the Premier has every right to take leave to deal with family issues.

He is also of the view that the public’s criticism is unfair and unwarranted.

I do not accept Oscar Mabuyane’s reason to abandon the victims of floods in Mthatha, citing taking his children to initiation school and that he must be present.

It’s blackmail. To be a public representative demands sacrifice, and at times that means family.

What makes it…

— Sinawo Thambo (@Sinawo_Thambo) June 30, 2025

The conversation has conveniently shifted from his failure to lead the province to praise for being a present and involved father. People mention deaths of initiates, yet few are pausing to reflect on the fact that he’s been premier for 7 years and under his leadership, the…

— Veve (@LudidiVelani) July 1, 2025

The Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane’s excuse of taking 34 days leave while more than 100 people have died by the Natural distaster in Umthatha is that his boys have undergone to an initiation School period.

-The Eastern Cape does not have any Leaders. 🤦🏾‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/xMpyvvL690

— Msunu ka Johann Rupert (@ZizinjaAbelungu) June 29, 2025

If the man qualifies for leave, he is entitled to it. The assumption is that the disaster management protocols and professionals will deal with arising issues. Call him out for his failure but he is doing what is right for his family amd leaving continuity mechanisms in place

— Broken English Podcast (@Broken_English_) July 1, 2025

Ingaske avele angabuyi, qha phi ke….
He is the worst thing to happen to that province, ibe kade ityibilika, wayigqibezela

— Khana ❤️ (@Nqophsi) July 1, 2025

Oscar is a pathetic Premier. Whilst I understand him taking leave for his son, he’s still a pathetic Premier.

— HRH N*mp*** 🇵🇸 (@Nampree) July 1, 2025

Absent fathers are not happy about Oscar Mabuyane

— Bhele Manyonya🇿🇦🇿🇦 (@victor_46079) July 1, 2025

But Oscar Mabuyane hasn’t left a vacuum in his he place someone to overlook what the Premier should have oversee .

— Governing Party (@ZGeleba) July 1, 2025