Why Zuma wants to sack Gordhan despite opposition from Mantashe, Ramaphosa

President Jacob Zuma has finally opened up about why he allegedly wants to fire Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan to the ANC top six.

In a meeting, Zuma reportedly told the top six that he had concerns over Gordhan’s close relationship with “white monopoly capital”. He further presented former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe as a suitable candidate to replace the minister.

However, The Mail & Guardian is reporting the top six is divided on the matter. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe and treasurer Zweli Mkhize have reportedly opposed the removal of Gordhan.

According to the report, the president had intended to announce Gordhan’s sacking on Tuesday but received a warning that members of the top six would publicly voice their disagreement.

President Jacob Zuma on Monday recalled Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas from National Treasury’s international investment roadshow in London, a call that raised eyebrows, with many suspecting the president would soon fire the minister and replace him with former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe.

After being spotted at the ANC’s headquarters at Luthuli House earlier on Tuesday, Gordhan later said he was there “to have a discussion”.

However, Gordhan further said he had not yet been told why he was recalled from London.

But EFF leader Julius Malema said when Gordhan met with ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe on Tuesday, he was told that the president had decided to reshuffle Cabinet, a decision the minister had previously said was the president’s prerogative to make.

Not only was Gordhan told Zuma would reshuffle Cabinet, but also that “Gwede confirmed that Zuma wants Brian Molefe as finance minister”, said the EFF leader.

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