The land expropriation matter may be decided on Tuesday. Photo: ParliamentRSA / Twitter
The land expropriation matter may be decided on Tuesday. Photo: ParliamentRSA / Twitter
The new ministers have landed: Whereas some senior government officials found themselves shifted to different portfolios, others got the chop good and proper during Thursday night’s huge Cabinet reshuffle. That left a gap for four fresh and familiar faces, previously waiting on the sidelines, to assume their new roles within Ramaphosa’s inner circle.
Cabinet reshuffle: Who’s in, who’s out?
The night of twists and turns set the tone early doors, as reports of Zweli Mkhize’s resignation filtered through. The suspended health minister quit his role, just hours before Ramaphosa confirmed a Cabinet reshuffle would take place. Mkhize ended up shafting himself, after the grim details of his Digital Vibes scandal were made public.
The ANC, often guilty of cadre deployment, rarely bring fresh faces into top government positions. A few of the faces who were moved to different positions have been part of the furniture for years.
Ramaphosa, who is also trying to stave off the threat of factional battles within the ANC, stood firm on Thursday, and made a host of major changes to his front bench. You can see a full list of those alterations here.
Who are the new ministers of South Africa?
Mondli Gungubele – Minister in the Presidency: The 64-year-old served as the Deputy Finance Minister for 15 months before the 2019 General Election. The former Mayor of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality made something of a name for himself in 2017, when he became one of Jacob Zuma’s most vocal critics.
- He replaces the late Jackson Mthembu
Joe Phaahla – Health Minister: Phaahla was appointed the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform in South Africa 12 years ago, and then became Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture. He has a Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Diploma from the University of Natal. He also served as the Senior Medical Officer at Mapulaneng Hospital.
- He replaces Zweli Mkhize
Enoch Godongwana – Finance Minister: He has a wealth of fiscal executive experience, and what’s more, Godongwana is currently the head of the ANC’s economic transformation subcommittee in the NEC.
- He replaces Tito Mboweni
Thandi Modise – Defence Minister: The Speaker of the House doesn’t really require an introduction, but she has previously served as the North West Premier and ANC Deputy Secretary-General.
- She replaces Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
New ministers drafted in after of ‘major’ Cabinet reshuffle
In the run-up to the Cabinet reshuffle, we had shenanigans aplenty: Roland Schoeman, the former Olympic swimmer, submitted an application to become the Sports Minister, following Team SA’s underwhelming performance at the Tokyo Olympics. This was ultimately ignored, but Cyril himself is no stranger to a curveball…
During a Cabinet reshuffle in 2019, the President drafted in Patricia de Lille – leader of the GOOD party – to serve as the government’s Public Works Minister. This coalition caught Mzansi by surprise, but no such trickery was at play tonight
