Cabinet reshuffle: Who’s in, who’s out

In a statement on Friday morning after midnight, President Jacob Zuma released the full list of changes in his Cabinet.

He said: “I have decided to make changes to the national executive in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

“The changes bring some younger MPs and women into the national executive in order to benefit from their energy, experience and expertise.

“I have directed the new ministers and deputy ministers to work tirelessly with their colleagues to bring about radical socio-economic transformation and to ensure that the promise of a better life for the poor and the working class becomes a reality.”

Illustration: Costa Makola

Here is the full list:

MINISTERS

1.    Minister of Energy, Ms Mmamoloko “Nkhensani” Kubayi, replacing Tina Joemat-Pettersson
2.    Minister of Transport, Mr Joe Maswanganyi, replacing Dipuo Peters
3.    Minister of Finance, Mr Malusi Gigaba, replacing Pravin Gordhan
4.    Minister of Police, Mr Fikile Mbalula, replacing Nathi Nhleko
5.    Minister of Public Works, Mr Nathi Nhleko, replacing Thulas Nxesi
6.    Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Thembelani “Thulas” Nxesi, replacing Fikile Mbalula
7.    Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa, replacing Derek Hanekom
8.    Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Faith Muthambi, replacing Ngoako Ramatlhodi
9.    Minister of Home Affairs, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize, replacing Malusi Gigaba
10.    Minister of Communications, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo, replacing Faith Muthambi

Half of the ministers affected have been fired, with the other half merely moved to new positions.

Fired:

Tina Joemat-Pettersson

Dipuo Peters

Pravin Gordhan

Derek Hanekom

Ngoako Ramatlhodi

Shuffled:

Malusi Gigaba

Nathi Nhleko

Thulas Nxesi

Fikile Mbalula

Faith Muthambi

DEPUTY MINISTERS

1.    Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba
2.    Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Sifiso Buthelezi
3.    Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Ben Martins
4.    Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Maggie Sotyu
5.    Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Gratitude Magwanishe
6.    Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms Thandi Mahambehlala,
7.    Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe
8.    Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Bongani Mkongi
9.    Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
10.    Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Nomathemba November.

The Cabinet reshuffle comes amidst intense speculation that Zuma would rearrange his administration, axing SACP members and those who have been adverse to his leadership. While still finance minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas were humiliatingly recalled from an international roadshow in London on Monday.

ALSO READ: Mantashe suggests Zuma’s reshuffled Cabinet list was ‘developed elsewhere’ 

The SACP today revealed that Zuma had recalled the pair based on an intelligence report stating they had intended to meet people who would push for a change in government in SA. Meanwhile the EFF have filed legal papers to have Zuma impeached through the constitutional court and to force speaker of parliament Baleka Mbete to have the president go on trial for the Nkandla debacle.

The DA have also filed a motion of no confidence in Zuma and this has officially been acknowledged by parliament.

READ MORE: Derek Hanekom says he found out about his axing in a press release 

Zuma added in his statement on the cabinet reshuffle: “I wish to extend my gratitude to the outgoing ministers and deputy ministers for their service to the country. I also wish the new ministers and deputy ministers the best in their new responsibilities.”

ALSO READ:

Malusi Gigaba is the new finance minister

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