Deputy President David Mabuza at Chief Ndindane Traditional Authority at Ndindane village near Giyani in LimpopoPronvince. This is a follow up service delivery visit by the Deputy President in which he will monitor progress regarding the delivery of services to the community such as the road and water infrastructure. Deputy President Mabuza is accompanied by Minister of Transport Dr Blade Nzimande. 19/02/2019 GCIS
Ramaphosa’s Cabinet: David Mabuza replacement on the cards
Are these Mabuza’s last days as our deputy president?
Deputy President David Mabuza at Chief Ndindane Traditional Authority at Ndindane village near Giyani in LimpopoPronvince. This is a follow up service delivery visit by the Deputy President in which he will monitor progress regarding the delivery of services to the community such as the road and water infrastructure. Deputy President Mabuza is accompanied by Minister of Transport Dr Blade Nzimande. 19/02/2019 GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has a tough task ahead of him as he considers his Cabinet for South Africa’s sixth democratic government. Our little birds have whispered in our ears and from what we have seen and heard, it seems that deputy president, David Mabuza, is on his way out.
The main thing on the presidency’s agenda, for now, is Ramaphosa’s inauguration that is only eight days away.
The excitement around the occasion that will be held at the Loftus Versveld Stadium, in Pretoria, has taken hold of everyone’s attention.
Related: Presidential inauguration: Cyril Ramaphosa cuts costs by R100m
Mystery surrounds Ramaphosa’s Cabinet
However, lurking below the festivities is the one thing every South African with a vested interest in the country’s future, wants to know: Who will feature in Ramaphosa’s refurbished Cabinet?
The social media rumour mill has hinted at the possibility of Mabuza’s axing from his position as deputy president.
Earlier in the week, a string of posts revealing a ‘leaked’ version of Ramaphosa’s reviewed Cabinet list did not include Mabuza’s name next to the deputy president slot.
It is no secret that if Ramaphosa had it his way at the 2017 Nasrec conference, the last person he would have considered for the position is Mabuza.
Alas, the powers vested in the democratic processes within the ANC prevailed over his preferences.
Related: South Africa targets Uganda for bilateral relations
Will David Mabuza be removed from his position?
However, this time around, it looks likely that the president’s victory at the polls may allow him enough veto powers to remove those who are seen as incompetent by the party’s executive.
Lest we forget, Ramaphosa may be the head of state but he shares most of his authority with the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC).
Any decision on the Cabinet list must pass through the hands of the party’s top brass, some of which are Mabuza sympathists.
However, based on the information we have received, it is almost certain that by the time Ramaphosa’s Cabinet is announced, Mabuza’s name will not feature in it.
Related: Julius Malema says Cyril Ramaphosa “offered him a cabinet position”
There has been no word from the president’s office on when Ramaphosa will announce his new Cabinet. By the looks of things, we are in for a shocker.
