President Ramaphosa announces new cabinet reshuffle

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Photo: twitter

President Matamela Ramaphosa has finally answered the call from the broader public for a cabinet reshuffle that has since gained a momentum in the past weeks after the civil unrests in KZN and Gauteng.

Many analysts and opposition parties were of the view that security failed to protect the economy of the country and citizens who were badly affected. They said that the intelligence ministry and the police Minister should be held accountable for the damages for failing to predict after opportunistic aftermath of former President Jacob Zuma’s arrest.

Although the cabinet reshuffle was not what most people expected, the President said tough choices had to be made.

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize who has a scandal following him in the Digital Vibes investigations resigned few hours before President’s announcement.

Former Reserve Bank Governor Mr Tito Mboweni also asked to be excused from his position as Finance Minister. He had been occupying the post since October 2018.

New appointments
With respect to Ministers, the President made the following new appointments:
• Mondli Gungubele, who served as chair of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development, has been appointed as Minister in the Presidency. He takes over this portfolio following the passing away of Minister Jackson Mthembu.
• Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who served as acting Minister in the Presidency as well as Minister of Small Business Development, has moved over to become Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
• Thandi Modise, who served as Speaker of the National Assembly, is now the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
• Former Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi has been appointed as the Minister of Human Settlements.
• In addition, Ayanda Dlodlo moves over from State Security to Public Service and Administration.
• Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, has been moved to the Small Business Development Department.
• Former Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has been appointed as the Minister of Tourism.
• The new Minister of Water and Sanitation is the former Minister of Public Service and Administration, Senzo Mchunu.
With respect to Deputy Ministers, the President made the following appointments:
• Pinky Kekana who served as Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is now the second Deputy Minister in the Presidency.
• Zoleka Capa takes over as Deputy Minister of Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform.
• Philly Mapulane is the new Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
• The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister is Thembi Nkadimeng.
• Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has been appointed as the Deputy Minister of Health.
• Mineral Resources and Energy is Dr Nobuhle Nkabane.
• Dr Chana Pilane-Majake has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration.
• The President has appointed Sdumo Dlamini as Deputy Minister of Small Business Development.
• Sindisiwe Chikunga has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Transport.
• Dikeledi Magadzi as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
• The Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for state security is Zizi Kodwa.

In making this announcement, President also made other changes to certain ministries.

He announced the separation of the Ministry of Human Settlements from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation. The two portfolios were brought together understanding that the provision of water is closely tied to the development of human settlements.

In addition he said that although water & sanitation is closely related to human settlement, he said water is much more broader and needs more attention.

President Ramaphosa also announced the decision to do away with the Ministry of State Security and place political responsibility for the State Security Agency within the Presidency.

“This is to ensure that the country’s domestic and foreign intelligence services more effectively enable the President to exercise his responsibility to safeguard the security and integrity of the nation,” he said. – Sanews.gov.za