When Zuma might fire Gordhan and Jonas, according to Malema

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has given us an inside scoop on what may soon transpire in the whole drama of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas.

President Jacob Zuma on Monday recalled Gordhan and Jonas from National Treasury’s international investment roadshow in London, a call that raised eyebrows, with many suspecting the president would soon fire the minister and replace him with former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe.

After being spotted at the ANC’s headquarters at Luthuli House earlier on Tuesday, Gordhan later said he was there “to have a discussion”.

However, Gordhan further said he had not yet been told why he was recalled from London.

According to EFF leader, Julius Malema when Gordhan met with ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe today, he was told that the president had decided to reshuffle Cabinet, a decision the minister had previously said was the president’s prerogative to make.

Not only was Gordhan told Zuma would reshuffle Cabinet, but also that “Gwede confirmed that Zuma wants Brian Molefe as finance minister,” said Malema.

Gordhan and Jonas will be removed from the executive, a call the party’s top six will respect, though officials don’t think it is a good idea, he added.

“Speculation is that the duo may be fired tomorrow evening, after Uncle Kathy’s funeral.”

Though there are reports that the Kathrada family has asked that the president not address mourners at Ahmed Kathrada’s funeral on Wednesday, Malema said Zuma would ensure the funeral was not used “as a launching for a campaign against him”.

The president’s instruction for Gordhan and Jonas to cut their trip short has been met with criticism, with the DA calling it a “bizarre instruction”.

“Cancelling the international investor roadshow without any explanation is turning into a monumental shambles and is damaging the economy in South Africa.

“If President Jacob Zuma issued the instruction to cancel the international investor roadshow for a reason other than a cabinet reshuffle, including the fact that the trip may not have been authorised, then why does he simply not tell South Africa?” the  DA said in a statement.

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