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.”
Here is the full list:
MINISTERS
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
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.”
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