Several ANC members, including Cele and Pandor, not on parly list

With the ANC losing 71 seats in parliament and several Cabinet ministers not returning to the National Assembly, there are calls for International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor to be re-appointed.

The once-dominant ANC lost its majority in parliament in last week’s elections.

It was the worst showing for the ANC since it came to power 30 years ago.

No jobs

With the devastating loss, several ministers have also lost their jobs.

Police Minister Bheki Cele; Defence Minister Thandi Modise; Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet; International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor; Labour and Employment Minister Thulas Nxesi; Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu; and Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma are among those who won’t return to the national assembly.

Defence Minister Thandi Modise will also not return to the ANC’s parliamentary ranks.

Zizi Kodwa, who is facing corruption charges in a R1.7 million bribery scandal, resigned from his position as minister on Wednesday.

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel and Dlamini-Zuma have all previously indicated that they planned to retire.

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Pandor must return  

If re-elected, President Cyril Ramaphosa will have sole discretion to appoint a Cabinet, including two people who aren’t members of the National Assembly.

In a letter to Ramaphosa, the South African Friends of Palestine called on him to retain Pandor as Minister of International Relations.

“As you form a new government, we respectfully request consideration for Mama Naledi Pandor as Minister of DIRCO. Despite not being on the list of MPs elected, her exceptional contributions and work warrant special consideration. Her successful deployment during the campaign demonstrated her value to the ANC.

“We urge you to find a way to bring her back into the fold, leveraging her expertise and experience for the country’s benefit. Her leadership and diplomatic prowess would be invaluable in this critical role,” the group said.

Pandor told supporters at an ANC gathering in February that she would not stand for public office after the 29 May elections, alluding to her retirement.

WATCH: ANC loses 71 seats in Parliament, DA gains 3, Zuma’s MK party scores 58 seats