Avatar photo

By Lily Rose

Journalist


SA celebrities react to cabinet reshuffle

Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet shake-up on Monday night received mixed reviews from South Africans.


While the president was applauded for getting rid of a few ‘bad apples’, some of his decisions raised a few eyebrows.

TV and radio personality Hulisano Ravele summed up how many people felt about the reshuffle.

“I woke up to a new-ISH Satafrika…” she tweeted.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights from his reshuffle, and what some of South Africa’s biggest stars had to say.

The return of ‘general’ Bheki Cele.

It seems many celebrities, like a large number of other South Africans, were pleased to see Bheki Cele back in office.

The former National Police Commissioner, who is now Police Minister, famously said officers “should shoot to kill” criminals. He was removed from his post after the Public Protector found him guilty of maladministration relating to a dodgy lease deal for the police headquarters in Pretoria.

Popular radio broadcaster Masechaba Ndlovu noted that armed robbery crimes were lowest when he was police commissioner.

Fikile Mbalula shown the door

Fikile ‘Razzmatazz’ Mbalula, formerly known ‘Min of Police: Mr Fearfokkol’, was given the boot. The former minister, known for clapping back at his haters on Twitter, has been named ANC Elections Chair. He wasted no time updating his Twitter profile to reflect his new position.

“Am NOT gonna ask why me? Congratulations to everyone continue to serve our people with honour and integrity,” he tweeted.

While many people loved his charm, some were glad he was shown the door. Actor Siv Ngesi hoped Fikile would finally unblock him.

https://twitter.com/AdvBarryRoux/status/968235930455826432

Bathabile Dlamini lives to see another day

Bathabile Dlamini survived being axed, much to the surprise of South Africans. The outgoing Social Development Minister is now Minister for Women in the Presidency.

But the minister, who was slammed for her handing of the SASSA service provider debacle, shouldn’t get too comfortable in her position.

Many believe the department will be dissolved when the president resizes his cabinet. Nonetheless, K Naomi believes Bathabile’s new appointment is an insult to women.

https://twitter.com/verashni/status/968221539660435456

Naledi Pandor to the rescue

Naledi Pandor’s new role as Minister of Higher Education has been given the thumb’s up from South Africans.

Some celebrities have described her as national treasure who will help turn around the department for the better.

Read more on these topics

cabinet reshuffle

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.