Zuma’s new cabinet met with mixed reaction

In a surprise move, former deputy minister of finance, Nhlanhla Nene was named finance minister- replacing Pravin Gordhan was moved to the co-operative governance and traditional affairs portfolio.

In another shake-up, former police minister, Nathi Mthethwa was moved to the arts and culture portfolio and replaced by Nkosinathi Nhleko – a former director general in the labour department.

This move could be seen as a response to the 2012 Marikana massacre, where dozens of striking mineworkers were killed by police.

An unexpected addition was axed police commissioner, Bheki Cele who was named deputy minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Cyril Ramaphosa was named the new deputy president, and former justice minister Jeff Radebe was named minister in the presidency.

The ANC welcomed Zuma’s newly-announced cabinet, saying the choice of leaders was balanced and experienced.

“The cabinet is a balanced and experienced corps of men and women who shall carry forward our nation’s hope and resolve for radical socio-economic transformation,” said ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe.

“It is our belief that the cabinet, as announced, espouses the qualities necessary for the task ahead, guided by the National Development Plan, to decisively confront unemployment, poverty, and inequality in an equitable and accountable manner.”

He said the ANC welcomed Zuma’s bold and decisive step to re-organise and re-focus government departments.

“We believe that these changes will lead to greater cost effectiveness and more effective monitoring of the work of government. The number of government ministries has not increased as a result.”

However, opposition parties were sceptical.

The Economic Freedom Fighters national spokesperson, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said the party was deeply concerned about the costs associated with the new cabinet.

“The average expenditure on each minister and deputy for their cars, houses [both in Pretoria and Cape Town], protection services, transport exceeds a total of R10 million,” he said.

“This means almost a billion is spent on this permanent government mass meeting of ministers before we can even think of core functions and programmes that change lives.”

Meanwhile, DA leader Helen Zille said Zuma’s new cabinet did not inspire confidence that South Africa’s major challenges, which included weak economic growth, unemployment and corruption, would be addressed in his second term.

Here is the list of ministers:-

The Deputy president – Cyril Ramaphosa

Minister in the Presidency – Jeff Radebe

Telecommunications and Postal Services – Siyabonga Cwele

Women’s Ministry – Susan Shabangu

Justice and Correctional Services – Michael Masutha

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – Senzeni Zogwana (previously Tina Joematt-Petterson)

Arts and Culture – Nathi Mthethwa (previously Paul Mashatile)

Basic Education – Angie Motshekga

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – Pravin Gordhan (previously Lechesa Tsenoli)

Defence and Military Veterans – Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula

Economic Development – Ebrahim Patel

Energy – Tina Joematt-Petterson (previously Ben Martins)

Finance – Nhlanhla Nene (previously Pravin Gordhan)

Health – Aaron Motsoaledi

Higher Education and Training – Blade Nzimande

Home Affairs – Malusi Gigaba (previously Naledi Pandor)

Human Settlements – Lindiwe Sisulu (previously Connie September)

International Relations and Cooperation – Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

Labour – Mildred Oliphant

Mineral Resources – Ngoako Ramahlodi (previously Susan Shabangu)

Police – Nkosinathi Thlepo (previously Nathi Mthethwa)

Public Enterprises – Lyn Brown (previously Malusi Gigaba)

Public Service and Administration – Collins Chabane (previously Lindiwe Sisulu)

Public Works – Thulas Nxesi

Rural Development and Land Reform – Gugile Nkwinti

Science and Technology – Naledi Pandor (previously Derek Hanekom)

Sport and Recreation – Fikile Mbalula

State Security – David Mahlokwa

Tourism – Derek Hanekom (previously Marthinus van Schalkwyk)

Trade and Industry – Rob Davies

Transport – Dipuo Peters

Water and Environmental Affairs – Nomvula Mokonyane (previously Edna Molewa)