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By Bernice Maune

Journalist


In a few months from now, the reshuffler will be reshuffled, says Hanekom

South Africa will soon breathe a huge sigh of relief, former minister of tourism Derek Hanekom has tweeted.


Reports that President Jacob Zuma intends to remove Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande from his Cabinet and replace him with his ex-wife, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has led to Hanekom sharing his perspective on the matter.

Dlamini-Zuma was sworn in as an MP last week Friday. This move is understood to be meant to pave the way for her to replace Nzimande and, according to EWN, announce free tertiary education to win over voters. Dlamini-Zuma is up against Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to take over from Zuma as ANC leader and president.

Hanekom was axed from Zuma’s Cabinet in April. He said he was not informed personally by Zuma, and saw a press release with the new minister’s name under his post. Hanekom also led a motion of no confidence against Zuma at an NEC meeting last year. He remains an MP despite being a vocal critic of Zuma.

Hanekom’s tweet lends credence to reports that Zuma is expected to not continue his term as president until 2019. Various reports claim he will step down after the ANC elective conference in December.

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