Following President Jacob Zuma’s Cabinet Reshuffle on Thursday night, here is the official list of new ministers and their deputies. And as predicted, the Rand has fallen following his firing of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
In a statement issued after midnight, President Jacob Zuma said he made 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,” said Zuma.
“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.”
The President said: “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.”
Former Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba replaces Pravin Gordhan, whilst former Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula becomes the Minister of Police. Derek Hanekom has been replaced as Minister of Tourism by his deputy Tokozile Xasa.
Earlier Thursday the SACP and EFF said there must be consequences if Zuma removed Gordhan. Julius Malema has indicated through a retweet that he believes the reason for Gigaba’s appointment late tonight is for Gigaba to complete the urgent tasks of approving the Gupta acquisition of Habib Bank, the deadline of which is Friday.
The new members are the following;
Ministers
1. Minister of Energy, Mmamoloko “Nkhensani” Kubayi
2. Minister of Transport, Joe Maswanganyi
3. Minister of Finance, Malusi Gigaba
4. Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula
5. Minister of Public Works, Nathi Nhleko,
6. Minister of Sports and Recreation, Thembelani Nxesi
7. Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa
8. Minister of Public Service and Administration, Faith Muthambi
9. Minister of Home Affairs, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize
10. Minister of Communications, Ayanda Dlodlo
Deputy Ministers
1. Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba
2. Deputy Minister of Finance, Sifiso Buthelezi
3. Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Ben Martins
4. Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Maggie Sotyu
5. Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Gratitude Magwanishe
6. Deputy Minister of Communications, Thandi Mahambehlala,
7. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Elizabeth Thabethe
8. Deputy Minister of Police, Bongani Mkongi
9. Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
10. Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Nomathemba November.
South Africans are being called to gather Friday morning in Pretoria at Church Square at 10am. “Put your differences aside. Do this for the people on whose shoulders we stand.We owe them #cabinetreshuffle” tweeted Zelda la Grange, former assistant to the late President Nelson Mandela.
