Meet “South Africa’s New President”… and Other Reactions to Zuma’s Cabinet Reshuffle
South Africans have woken up across the land – after the ‘night of long knives’ – to shock and horror in discovering their President, Jacob Zuma, announced a Cabinet Reshuffle in the middle of the night. Of the many Ministers that have been fired or moved to new positions, speculation is that Zuma has fired Pravin Gordhan […]
South Africans have woken up across the land – after the ‘night of long knives’ – to shock and horror in discovering their President, Jacob Zuma, announced a Cabinet Reshuffle in the middle of the night.
Of the many Ministers that have been fired or moved to new positions, speculation is that Zuma has fired Pravin Gordhan and appointed former Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba as Finance Minister instead, under the instructions of the Gupta Family.
The Guptas need Treasury approval by today in order to acquire Habib Bank.
This morning photos of Atul Gupta were spread on social media with joke messages about him being the ‘new President of SA’.
Well known SA personality Gareth Cliff, for instance, tweeted a Gupta pic saying: “Here’s a picture of our President. Have a great day Mr. President. We know you’ll make the right decisions today.”
Derek Hanekom was fired as Tourism Minister and replaced by his deputy, Tokozile Xasa. Hanekom said in a series of tweets last night that he had not been informed of his dismissal. He learnt of it in the media release, he said, and was given no reasons.
He said he is “deeply concerned about what is happening”.
Several critics have pointed out that Zuma has ousted all those who questioned his leadership or did not support him (or the Gupta’s in the case of Mcebisi Jonas who turned down a bribe).
One social media user said: “Imagine a country in which you are fired for NOT being corrupt!”
Another prominent Gauteng resident said: “A night of horrors! Awakening to a new cabinet- hush hush reshuffled in the middle of the night ! This is like a character assassination – you oppose me – and you are fired! Reeling from shock and sadness! What has happened to Madiba’s dream of the rainbow nation?”
Just after 01h00 Friday morning, Hanekom said: “Well, it’s time for sleep now. Thank you so much for the hundreds of kind and supportive tweets! Be positive!”
The DA issued a statement saying Parliament must fire President Zuma.
The new South African Ministers are:
Here's a picture of our President. Have a great day Mr. President. We know you'll make the right decisions today: pic.twitter.com/Naf9YbMSWY
— Gareth Cliff (@GarethCliff) March 30, 2017