Paul Mashatile

Paul Mashatile. Image: Storm Simpson/The South African.

Cabinet reshuffle: Paul Mashatile is SA’s new deputy president

Mashatile, who was elected as Ramaphosa’s second in command at the ANC National Elective Conference in December 2022, replaces David Mabuza who resigned last week.

Paul Mashatile

Paul Mashatile. Image: Storm Simpson/The South African.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the changes to his cabinet on Monday night, 6 March. As expected, ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile was announced as the deputy president of South Africa.

PAUL MASHATILE APPOINTED DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Mashatile was widely expected to assume the position after being elected as Ramaphosa’s second in command at the ANC National Elective Conference in December 2022.

His predecessor David Mabuza officially resigned last week, weeks after he first signalled his desire to vacate office. Mabuza was nominated from the floor for the position of ANC Deputy President at the elective conference but declined the nomination.

“As I indicated in my reply to the State of the Nation Debate on the 16th of February, Deputy President David Mabuza asked to step down from that position. I am grateful for his support over the five years of his tenure and for his dedicated service to the government and people of South Africa. I have decided to appoint Mr Paul Mashatile as Deputy President of Republic,” said Ramaphosa during the announcement.

As previously reported, Mabuza spoke of the importance of aligning party leadership roles with government responsibilities. He also said he was making space when he announced his intention to resign at his brother’s funeral in Mpumalanga.

“I am making space for the one elected at the conference because I can see he (Mashatile) is also making a few moves. So now I am also in a rush to give them space. I spoke to the president and told him I would step down,” said Mabuza.

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UPDATE: Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle delayed by an hour