Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle impact on the 20-something youth in South Africa

The Zuma-led government has often been met with hostility and harsh comments and the recent decision by President Jacob Zuma to reshuffle his cabinet has left a lot of South Africans shaking their heads.

Known as the ‘Night of long knives’, a reference to the purge that took place in Nazi Germany in 1934 and saw the regime carry out a series of political extrajudicial executions intended to consolidate Hitler’s power in Germany.

Now, in South Africa, a statement released in the early hours of 31 March announced the new adjustments in government.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Peterson, Transport Minister Dipuo Peters, Public Service and Administration Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi and Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom have all been axed.

Zuma claimed these changes would bring younger Members of Parliament and women into the national executive.

Read Twitter reacts to President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle

So what does this mean for the 20-something youth of today, the people who have seen many changes in government over the last few years and are trying to forge a great future in South Africa?

The Sandton Chronicle posed this question to a group of Sandton residents.

Sandton resident, Victoria Shirley Knibbs (26) said, “Zuma’s political games can be compared to the game of chess. He has ruthlessly shuffled his ‘pawns’ around for his own selfish gain. He is only concerned about protecting his title and his fellow cronies.”

Fourways resident, Monica Dalla Pria (21) said, “Cabinet reshuffle to improve efficiency and effectiveness? The only effective reshuffle would be to shuffle Jacob Zuma out of the presidency.”

Bryanston resident, Brent Lurie (28) added, “The reality of this situation is worse than even the top six in the ANC could have ever imagined. The president, in my opinion, is a puppet for a very powerful external force. If politicians and the public don’t mobilise right now, I would suggest leaving this country and looking for a future elsewhere.”

The cabinet overhaul threatens to split the African National Congress (ANC) and trigger a revolt against Zuma. A junk status could be on the cards for South Africans and the rand is expected to drop to an all-time low.

Gordhan is a popular figure amongst investors for his relentless efforts to curb spending, however, the new Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, has no financial or business experience and will have big shoes to fill.

Edited by Stacey Woensdregt

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