OPPOSITION parties slammed Mpumalanga Premier Ndaweni Mahlangu on Thursday for allowing provincial director general Coleman Nyathi to resign instead of firing him on corruption charges. Nyathi resigned voluntarily but unexpectedly on Thursday morning, citing “personal problems” surrounding his citizenship. Both Home Affairs and the police Aliens Control Unit are currently investigating indications that Nyathi and his wife are illegal Zimbabwean immigrants to South Africa. Nyathi confirmed exclusively to African Eye News Service on Thursday that pressure resulting from the investigations had become “too much” and prompted his withdrawal from public life. The Democratic Alliance said in a statement that Mahlangu’s inaction on the issue proved his lack of judgement and inability to fight corruption. Provincial DA co-leader David Malatsi demanded to know whether the voluntary resignation obliged government to grant Nyathi a severance package or “other secret golden handshake”. “It is a real shame that Premier Mahlangu once again failed to live up to expectations. He let the chance to show his real stance on corruption slip through his fingers,” said Malatsi. “Mahlangu had an excellent opportunity to dismiss Nyathi, but [he] once again illustrated his lack of judgement and inability to take strong action against corrupt officials.” Malatsi’s co-leader Clive Hatch added that opposition parties already tried to pass Legislature motions as far back as May 26 calling for Nyathi’s suspension or dismissal. The motions were overwhelmingly dismissed by the ANC-led House.