Lindiwe Sisulu axed from Cabinet after 30 years in Parliament

Lindiwe Sisulu has been removed from Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet, despite having survived numerous cabinet reshuffles during her 30-year tenure as a member of parliament.

Ramaphosa announced changes to his cabinet on Monday, 6 March.

Sisulu was replaced by Patricia De Lille as Minister of Tourism.

ALSO READ: WATCH | Cabinet reshuffle: Fikile Mbalula thanks South Africa

Sisulu has been a member of the national executive since 1994, when he was appointed by former President Nelson Mandela, and has served as minister of various departments in successive administrations, including human settlements, intelligence, and international relations and cooperation.

LINDIWE SISULU WAS VOCAL ABOUT HER DISAPPROVAL OF RAMAPHOSA’S LEADERSHIP

Her dismissal is said to have occurred as a result of her open criticism of Ramaphosa’s leadership.

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She was also among those who contested for the ANC presidency ahead of the party’s national elective conference in December and had been outspoken about her opposition to Ramaphosa’s reelection.

“In the history of the ANC, the party has been blessed with (leadership with) impeccable commitment, character and integrity, and committed to fostering unity, and rejecting impunity and intimidation. Regrettably, President Ramaphosa exhibits none of the above,” City Express quoted Sisulu as saying.

Earlier last year, Sisulu launched an attack on the country’s Constitution.

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She blamed the judiciary and the legislative framework of the land for Mzansi’s problems rather than multiple government failures.

This year, she was dragged before Parliament’s committee to explain Tourism SA’s botched R1 billion Tottenham Hotspurs deal which has since been scrapped.

NEW CABINET:

• Deputy President- Paul Mashatile
• Minister in the Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,
• Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,
• Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa,
• Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa,
• Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Mondli Gungubele,
• Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ms Thembi Nkadimeng,
• Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Noxolo Kiviet,
• Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala,
• Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Zizi Kodwa,
• Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille,
• Minister of Transport, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga.

.ALSO READ: WATCH LIVE: President Ramaphosa announces long-awaited Cabinet Reshuffle

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