Expecting Zuma to act rationally is irrational – Shilowa

Former premier of Gauteng and Congress of the People founder Mbhazima Shilowa has shared his thoughts on the drama involving President Jacob Zuma and axed  minister of finance Pravin Gordhan.

The president’s Cabinet reshuffle has taken South Africans by storm, with most complaining about some of the ministers that were not fired from their positions.

Though oppositions had warned South Africans about Zuma’s plans to sack Gordhan, it still shook them when it happened on Thursday night. The president reportedly used an intelligence report on Gordhan to justify his sacking, a report that is full of “untruths”, according to EFF leader Julius Malema.

Shilowa said though he knew the president would use the report, “deep down the good in me, was hoping against all odds that those claiming Zuma relied on what is clearly a fake report is false”.

“Our expectations for Jacob Zuma to act rationally is irrational. Zuma acts for Zuma and Zuma alone. Sizuzelaemanzini [our voices don’t matter] as far as he’s concerned. Axe ready!”

Even some members of the ANC top six are not pleased with the reshuffle, with ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe suggesting to Xolani Gwala that the new list of the ministers was developed elsewhere. He further said instead of consulting with them, the president only informed them about the new changes.

The president reshuffled Cabinet on Thursday night. While some ministers where moved to other positions, some, such as Gordhan, were fired.

Below is a list of ministers and their new positions:

Minister of energy Mmamoloko ‘Nkhensani’ Kubayi, replacing Tina Joemat-Pettersson
Minister of transport Joe Maswanganyi, replacing Dipuo Peters
Minister of finance Malusi Gigaba, replacing Pravin Gordhan
Minister of police Fikile Mbalula, replacing Nathi Nhleko
Minister of public works Nathi Nhleko, replacing Thulas Nxesi
Minister of sports and recreation Thembelani ‘Thulas’ Nxesi, replacing Fikile Mbalula
Minister of tourism Tokozile Xasa, replacing Derek Hanekom
Minister of public service and administration Faith Muthambi, replacing Ngoako Ramatlhodi
Minister of home affairs Hlengiwe Mkhize, replacing Malusi Gigaba
Minister of communications Ayanda Dlodlo, replacing Faith Muthambi

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