I’ve had a bit of time to think about President Ramaphosa’s Cabinet Reshuffle and I still feel like I felt when I was listening to the announcements – a mixed bag.
But then that happens with any team selection doesn’t it. When last were you happy with every player selected in a Springbok or Bafana team? You like some, hate some and then sit back and watch the game.
So although I am a bit insulted that Outgoing Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini has been foisted off on the Women and the Disabled I know she is the ANC Women’s League president, so I guess there was some horse trading.
One also doesn’t know what is going to happen to that portfolio once Ramaphosa reconfigures the size of his cabinet. And maybe the inquiries into her personal liability for the Social Services crises will get her booted out. Who knows?
So I say give the new President the benefit of the doubt.
[INFOGRAPHIC] Out with the old, in with new… Here’s a list of the previous cabinet ministers and their replacements. https://t.co/uQOLVZePOh #CabinetReshuffle pic.twitter.com/pKWt9iXIxl
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 26, 2018
Malusi Gigaba is the other weak link to watch. The other Gupta ministers got the chop, and despite lying under oath Gigaba has survived the first round cuts. A bit troubling to have him at Home Affairs – as he allegedly waived requirements in the naturalisation of the Guptas.
Other ministers connected to the Guptas – Des van Rooyen, Lynne Brown, Mosebenzi Zwane and Faith Muthambi – have packed their bags.
Ten ministers and three deputies who served under former president Jacob Zuma have been axed.
My New Dawn
There is plenty of good news. The New Dawn Cabinet Reshuffle has put Lindiwe Sisulu into yet another portfolio – I think she will be awesome as South Africa’s top ambassador.
Hard man Bheki Cele is back to sort out the police in spite a few stumbles in the past. This former commissioner, who has great style in hats, did a lot of things right during his time as police commissioner.
I’m sure the markets are happy with the return of former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene, reappointed to the position after being controversially fired in 2015.
I look forward to getting to know the new names and also to giving people in new portfolios a chance to work hard, be honest and make the people proud.
Deputy President
I would have been happier to have a woman as Deputy President, but the Former Premier of Mpumalanga came to the ANC Conference with some strong muti. There was no way he was going to be ignored.
The appointment of David DD Mabuza‚ who is also ANC deputy president is worrying to me. Remember the Guptas offered him a ride in their jet to Moscow when he was seeking medical treatment after being poisoned. He is a very controversial figure, even within the ANC with noises of political assassinations surrounding him. He refers to himself as “The Cat” – so how many of his nine lives does he have left?
