Reshuffle exposes Royal Flush of Ministers

Add as a preferred source on Google

IN what has been labelled as a last minute move to further stamp down his authority, President Jacob Zuma late last night axed a number of ministers during a major cabinet reshuffle.

Ten ministers have changed and there are ten new deputy ministers.

Zuma fired Pravin Gordhan as Minister of Finance and replaced him with Malusi Gigaba.

Mcebisi Jonas is also out as Deputy Finance Minister, while Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom – who moved against Zuma in an African National Congress (ANC) national executive committee meeting last year – has also been sacked.

However Bathabile Dlamini stays on at Social Development Minister despite the criticism over her handling of the social grants payments system.

Infighting

According to Times Live, the reshuffle comes three days after Zuma told the ANC top five that he wanted to get rid of Gordhan and Jonas.

He was armed with an intelligence report claiming Gordhan was conspiring with overseas investors to topple him.

His plan caused ructions, with at least three members of the ANC’s top six leaders refusing to support Gordhan’s axing‚ reports said.

Earlier yesterday‚ reports emerged that Zuma was facing a rebellion within his party‚ with the Bloomberg news agency quoting sources as saying that about 12 of his ministers were considering resigning and then fighting for his removal.

Statement

The Presidency issued out a statement to the media not long after the reshuffle which read:

‘I have decided to make changes to the National Executive in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

‘The changes bring some younger MPs and women into the National Executive to benefit from their energy, experience and expertise.

‘I have directed the new ministers and deputy ministers to work tirelessly with their colleagues to bring about radical socio-economic transformation and to ensure that the promise of a better life for the poor and the working class becomes a reality.’

Ministers

1. Minister of Energy – Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi

2. Minister of Transport – Mr Joe Maswanganyi

3. Minister of Finance – Mr Malusi Gigaba

4. Minister of Police – Mr Fikile Mbalula

5. Minister of Public Works – Mr Nathi Nhleko,

6. Minister of Sports and Recreation – Mr Thembelani Nxesi

7. Minister of Tourism – Ms Tokozile Xasa

8. Minister of Public Service and Administration – Ms Faith Muthambi

9. Minister of Home Affairs – Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize

10.Minister of Communications – Ms Ayanda Dlodlo

Deputy Ministers

1. Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration – Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba

2. Deputy Minister of Finance – Mr Sifiso Buthelezi

3. Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises – Mr Ben Martins

4. Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture – Ms Maggie Sotyu

5. Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry – Mr Gratitude Magwanishe

6. Deputy Minister of Communications – Ms Thandi Mahambehlala,

7. Deputy Minister of Tourism – Ms Elizabeth Thabethe

8. Deputy Minister of Police – Mr Bongani Mkongi

9. Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services – Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams

10. Deputy Minister of Small Business Development – Ms Nomathemba November.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer