CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 14: Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Thandi Modise during the 2017 State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate at the National Assembly on February 14, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. Political parties debated President Jacob Zuma’s SONA which was marred by chaos, violence and insults. (Photo by Gallo Images / Beeld / Jaco Marais)
Cabinet reshuffle: Here’s how it changes things in Parliament
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his much-anticipated Cabinet reshuffle on Thursday and they have since been sworn in
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 14: Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Thandi Modise during the 2017 State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate at the National Assembly on February 14, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. Political parties debated President Jacob Zuma’s SONA which was marred by chaos, violence and insults. (Photo by Gallo Images / Beeld / Jaco Marais)
With President Cyril Ramaphosa’s new Cabinet having been officially sworn in, it’s now time to spring into action and get to work – but the ushering in of the country’s new National Executive has much bearing on the National Assembly and to some extent, the carrying out of its duties.
For one, with Thandi Modise being the new Defence Minister, it means her position as Parliamentary Speaker is vacant. Modise served as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces from 2014-2019, then became Speaker of the National Assembly until now.
For now, Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli will act in the role on an interim basis, but Parliament has said they will get the ball rolling on electing Modise’s replacement.
“The date for the election for the new speaker of the house will be determined through consultation with Parliament and in conjunction with the Chief Justice,” Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said on SABC News.
There’s speculation of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who was replaced by Modise in her post, possibly being considered for Speaker, but there is no official word yet. When Ramaphosa announced the shake-up, he said she’d be deployed elsewhere but gave no details.
A shake-up in Parliament
That’s not all: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet reshuffle also means a number of key portfolio committees are now without chairpersons.
Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, a rather controversial appointment, has been appointed Deputy Minister of Health. He served as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, which was a critical component in efforts to handle and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele served as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development. Gungubele replaced the late Jackson Mthembu, whose post had been left vacant since his death earlier this year.
While Philly Mapulane, who was Chairperson of the Higher Education and Powers and Privileges Committees, is now the new Deputy Minister of Communications.
