Zuma axes 15 ministers and deputies – report
An urgent meeting with the ANC's top six officials was called by president Jacob Zuma this evening in Pretoria.
MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 9: President Jacob Zuma at the ANC National General Council on October 9, 2015 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, South Africa. A number of resolutions were adopted at the ruling party’s 4th National General Council, including the introduction of lifestyle audits for public servants. (Photo by Gallo Images / Thapelo Maphakela)
Zuma is meeting with the affected ministers tonight regarding the cabinet reshuffle, ANN7 and SABC report.
Some of the ministers who have been fired are Pravin Gordhan, Mcebisi Jonas, Tina Joe-matt Peterson, Derek Hanekom, Ngoako Ramatlhodi and Dipuo Peters.
Zuma called an urgent meeting with Cyril Ramaphosa‚ Baleka Mbete‚ Gwede Mantashe‚ Jessie Duarte and Zweli Mkhize to finalise the removal of the ministers. They met at his official presidential home, Mahlamba Ndlopfu.
Malusi Gigaba took over as finance minister, while MP Sfiso Buthelezi is the new deputy finance minister role vacated by Mcebisi Jonas.
The SACP revealed on Thursday at a press briefing that Zuma had informed them of his intention to remove Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy this week. Zuma apparently based his decision on an intelligence report which stated that Gordhan and Jonas had set up meetings with people who would push for a change in government.
The pair were recalled from an international investor roadshow in London and returned to SA on Tuesday. Though Zuma has not given reasons for the recall, it is widely understood that Gordhan and Jonas will be part of the ministers axed in the Cabinet reshuffle.
When asked if he was still finance minister, Gordhan responded confidently that he was and no resignation had been tendered. This was also confirmed by Treasury.
The SACP said they did not support Zuma’s decision to have the ministers recalled, as this would affect the country’s economic status.
The full SACP statement below
#SACP statement which raises concerns around the presidents prerogative to hire & fire as well as abuse of state intelligence pic.twitter.com/p9YY4OiTEP
— MaNdosi (@SthembileCel) March 30, 2017
Earlier reports stated Zuma would face a mass Cabinet resignation from MPs who did not support the reshuffle.
Bloomberg reported on Thursday that according to four sources it had spoken to, about 12 ministers in his Cabinet were considering resigning from their jobs, should he fire Gordhan.
Members of the executive, who include Ramaphosa and some deputy ministers, apparently also plan to keep their seats in Parliament to push for Zuma’s removal as the country’s president.
The EFF has filed legal papers to have Zuma impeached through the Constitutional Court while the DA has filed for a vote of no confidence in Zuma in the wake of the Cabinet reshuffle.
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