A cabinet reshuffle is imminent after more than a dozen ministers and deputy ministers were not voted into the governing party’s decision-making body between conferences- the national executive committee (NEC) on Wednesday.
Historically, making it into the NEC gave a person a good chance of being part of the president’s cabinet.
Becoming a member of the NEC does not automatically mean that you will be part of Ramaphosa’s cabinet but the culture was normalised that members of the NEC following the ANC national conference in Polokwanein 2007. The conference said it was preferable that those holding position in government should be members from the NEC.
Ramaphosa has not made a decision on the fate of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma or Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
Due to delays at the conference, the crucial policy aspect was adjourned and will be discussed by delegates at a hybrid session on 5 January.
Ramaphosa is expected to announce his cabinet reshuffle soon after an announcement on the policy decisions on 6 January.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane is said to be one of the members who would be part of Ramaphosa’s cabinet.
Deputy president David Mabuza is likely to be removed from cabinet and replaced with newly elected deputy president Paul Mashatile.
Others likely to be sacked include ministers Naledi Pandor, Pravin Gordhan, Nathi Mthethwa, Blade Nzimande, Thulas Nxesi and Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, who were all voted out of the NEC.
Another job that hangs in the line is that of National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula who failed to get enough votes to make it into the NEC.
Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele said there was no truth to rumours that Ramaphosa would fire certain ministers.
“After January 5, we will give a clear and concrete plan on how we move forward. The ANC is not just a political party but a people’s organisation, and we have no alternative but to make sure it is united as a divided party hurts the aspirations of our people. Without its unity, he prosperity of our country is not possible.”
Gungubele said the only way for Ramaphosa to succeed is to keep doing what he was doing, fighting corruption and growing the economy.
“When his opponents are at their weakest, he extends a hand of friendship. But I will be careful to say what the president is planning,” said Gungubele.
Source: Times Live, IOL, The South African, image from Twitter: @CliffShiko
