Photo: GCIS
Photo: GCIS
Cyril Ramaphosa conducted a Cabinet reshuffle last night – without introducing too many new cards into the deck. Underperforming ministers were given different portfolios, some jumped before they were pushed, and in reality, only one senior government department leader – Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula – was forcibly dismissed by the President.
Cabinet reshuffle: Government departments shaken, without being stirred
The Defence Minister, who had publicly contradicted Cyril Ramaphosa when she argued ‘no insurrection attempt’ took place during the July riots, found herself as the biggest casualty of the evening. Zweli Mkhize and Tito Mboweni stepped down from their positions, and a vacancy left by the tragic passing of Jackson Mthembu was filled.
“I am making changes to the National Executive to improve the capacity of government to effectively undertake these tasks. At the same time, there are a number of vacancies that need to be filled.”
“I wish to express my deep appreciation to all outgoing Ministers and Deputy Ministers for their service to government and to the people of South Africa. The task of rebuilding our economy and our society requires urgency and focus. We are unwavering in our determination to build a capable state, one which effectively serves the needs of the people.”
Cyril Ramaphosa
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister changed… again
However, one story that possibly went under the radar was the rumblings in the Communications and Digital Technologies (CADT) Department. The ministry now has its THIRTEENTH leader since 2008.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has stepped up to the plate, with Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams – who had been appointed to the government department in late 2018 – taking charge of the Small Business Development portfolio. So will it be the 13th time lucky for CADT? Well, the new minister now joins a long list of those who have gone before her:
| Minister | Term |
|---|---|
| Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri | June 1999 – April 2009 |
| Manto Tshabalala-Msimang (acting) | April 2009 – May 2009 |
| Siphiwe Nyanda | May 2009 – October 2010 |
| Roy Padayachie | November 2010 – October 2011 |
| Dina Pule | October 2011 – July 2013 |
| Yunus Carrim | July 2013 – May 2014 |
| Faith Muthambi | May 2014 – March 2017 |
| Ayanda Dlodlo | March 2017 – October 2017 |
| Mmamoloko Kubayi | October 2017 – February 2018 |
| Nomvula Mokonyane | February 2018 – 22 November 2018 |
| Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams | November 2018 – August 2021 |
| Jackson Mthembu (acting) | April 2020 – June 2020 |
| Khumbudzo Ntshavheni | August 2021 – present |
(Philly Mapulane will now serve as the Deputy Minister for CADT)
