SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA DECEMBER 18: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): President Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa (who is the new president of the ANC) during the announcement of new party leadership at the 5th African National Congress (ANC) national conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre on December 18, 2017 in Soweto, South Africa. As ANC delegates supporters of the two presidential candidates were equally confident that their preferred choice will be announced as the new president of the ANC. The race was between Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa the only two nominees for the party’s top position. (Photo by Alet Pretorious / Gallo / Getty Images)
SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA DECEMBER 18: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): President Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa (who is the new president of the ANC) during the announcement of new party leadership at the 5th African National Congress (ANC) national conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre on December 18, 2017 in Soweto, South Africa. As ANC delegates supporters of the two presidential candidates were equally confident that their preferred choice will be announced as the new president of the ANC. The race was between Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa the only two nominees for the party’s top position. (Photo by Alet Pretorious / Gallo / Getty Images)
A document shared only by ANC insiders has found its way into public circulation this week. It reveals Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet choices and preferred ministers. It is fair to say the changes would be sweeping, and perhaps even progressive.
As reported by Donwald Pressly of the Cape Messenger, and shared with BizNews.com, the extensive list offers a real glimpse into a changing future for the ruling party.
In fact, Ramaphosa has more freedom in appointing his cabinet members than Zuma has ever had. The 2007 resolution that only made it possible to appoint ANC NEC members in top positions has since been scrapped. This means Cyril is now at liberty to appoint who he wants, and yes, that does include anti-Zuma figures.
Pravin Gordhan could return to government
Returns have been touted for Pravin Gordhan, Derek Hanekom and Blade Nzimande. Gordhan would be back as the Public Enterprises Minister, ousting Lynne Brown. Hanekom is set for a comeback in his beloved Tourism post. Nzimande would regain his Higher Education post, just months after falling victim to Zuma’s axe.
Ramaphosa is not constrained by the divisions in the party. At least, that’s what this so-called ‘leaked list’ tells us. It seems he is not preparing for life with Zuma, but life after Zuma. JZ remains the Head of State, despite stepping down from the ANC Presidency. This is something Cyril is keen resolve imminently.
Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet could feature Zuma’s critics
Mondli Gungubela, Bheki Cele and Lindiwe Sisulu are all expected to serve a role in the higher echelons of Ramaphosa’s ANC. This trio are arguably the biggest internal critics of Jacob Zuma, with the exception of Makhosi Khoza before her departure.
Gungubela openly stated he would be voting against Jacob Zuma in the motion of no confidence last August. His seat at the table would be as the Co-operative Governance Minister. Cele, a vocal opponent of the Guptas and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, could be the next State Security Minister if this list is true.
Lindiwe Sisulu would find herself in a seventh different cabinet role in the last 20 years. Ramaphosa’s running mate at the 2017 ANC Elective Conference would make the switch from Human Settlements (replaced by Kenny Moimang), to International Relations.
David Mabuza stays Deputy President
However, it would seem Cyril is still willing to co-operate with those on the other side of the ANC fence. His alleged cabinet list keeps David Mabuza in his Deputy President role. Perhaps binning the most senior figure from the NDZ campaign would drive too big of a wedge through a party desperately seeking unity.
We’ve also got some interesting reshuffles on the horizon for other incumbents. Interestingly enough, Fikile Mbalula would be taken off Police Chief duty, and go back to his previous role in Sports and Recreation.
Malusi Gigaba is set to endure a similar fate in Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet, too. He’d be stripped of his duties as Finance Minister, and sent back to his position as Home Affairs chief. It seems like Ramaphosa is keen to hit the reset button on Zuma’s March madness reshuffle last year.
Who will be in Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet? Full list:
- President – Cyril Ramaphosa (currently Deputy President)
- Deputy President – David Mabuza (Mpumalanga Premier and now ANC deputy president)
- Minister in the Presidency – Joel Netshitenze (former government spokesman under President Thabo Mbeki)
- Women – Baleka Mbete (currently Speaker)
- Agriculture – Thulas Nxesi
- Arts & Culture – Dipuo Letsatsi Duba
- Basic Education – Angie Motshekga
- Higher Education + Training – Blade Nzimande
- Communications – Jackson Mthembu
- Cooperative Governance – Mondli Gungubela
- Defence & Mil Veterans – Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula / Thabang Makwetla
- Economic Development – Enoch Godongwane
- Energy – Senzo Mchunu/ Dikeledi Magadzi (depending on the SG issue)
- Environmental Affairs – David Mahlobo
- Finance – Zweli Mkhize
- Health – Aaron Motsoaledi
- Home Affairs – Malusi Gigaba
- Human Settlements – Kenny Moimang
- International Relations – Lindiwe Sisulu
- Justice – Mathole Motshekga/ Andries Nel
- Labour – Thandi Modise
- Mineral Resources – Ebrahim Rasool
- Police – Jeff Radebe
- Public Enterprises – Pravin Gordhan (former Finance Minister)
- Minister for Public Services – Ayanda Dlodlo
- Public Works – Thoko Didiza
- Rural Development – Gugile Nkwinti
- Science & Technology – Naledi Pandor
- Small Business Development – Lindiwe Zulu
- Social Development – Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
- Sport & Recreation – Fikile Mbalula
- State Security – Bheki Cele
- Telecommunications – Stella Ndabeni Abrahams
- Tourism – Derek Hanekom
- Trade & Industry – Rob Davies
- Transport – Ebrahim Patel
- Water and Sanitation – Lulu Johnson
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