All The President’s Men & Women: Mbalula is Out, Gordhan is Back

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced  the following changes to the National Executive.It was a “radical” reconfiguration of the cabinet, including 23 changes and many female appointments.

Some of the new appointments – including new Deputy President of South Africa, David Mabuza – will first be sworn in as members of the National Assembly tomorrow in Cape Town, and during the week (for those who can’t make it tomorrow), before taking their new positions.

In a nod of approval, Nhlanhla Nene, who held the post once before, has been appointed as Minister of Finance.

Ramaphosa said his appointments are based on trying to maintain a balance between continuity and stability… and the need for renewal, economy recovery and accelerated land transformation in South Africa.

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula is out, whilst controversial figure – Malusi Gigaba remains, moving from Finance back to his previous position as Minister of Home Affairs.

Mbalula’s exit has been swift. He has already changed his title from Minister of FearF*kkol to ANC Election Chair! Earlier this evening (before his axing), he tweeted: “President Ramaphosa, Is going to ANNOUNCE cabinet changes in a few hours . I HAVE PACKED ALREADY LETS MOVE ON ……”.

As the appointments were read out, Mbalula tweeted: “This reshuffle thing is painful hahahaha!!! If u don’t know Mina am GOOD!!!!”

For the roles of Ministers in the Presidency, Ramaphosa has selected his former Presidential contender (and ex-wife of former President Jacob Zuma), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.

Meanwhile Bathabile Dlamini has also surprisingly been retained – and has been appointed in The Presidency: Women.

Referring to the bloated cabinet which Ramaphosa is keen to reduce, the President said this will still be done once the review is completed.

Former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is back in the Cabinet, but in a different role… to clean up the mess that Lynne Brown left at the Department of Public Enterprises.

And Derek Hanekom is also back, as Minister of Tourism.

The civil rights organisation AfriForum said it welcomes the firing of Ministers Mosebenzi Zwane, David Mahlobo, Lynne Brown, Des van Rooyen and Fikile Mbalula… saying it was of the “utmost importance” that those Ministers linked to state capture, or who were “unfit for their positions” were removed, making a “new start” possible. CEO Kallie Kriel added that he was unhappy with the “contentious David Mabuza’s appointment as Deputy President, and also over the inclusion of Bathabile Dlamini in the Cabinet”.

President Ramaphosa announced the following new appointments to the National Executive:

Communications: Nomvula Mokonyane

Energy: Jeff Radebe

Finance Minister: Nhlanhla Nene

Higher Education and Training: Naledi Pandor

Home Affairs: Malusi Gigaba

Human Settlements: Nomaindia Mfeketo

International Relations and Cooperations: Lindiwe Sisulu
Deputy: Regina Mohaule

Mineral Resources: Gwede Mantashe (as predicted by EFF’s Julius Malema)

Police: Bheki Cele

Public Enterprises: Pravin Gordhan
Deputy: Vacant for now

Public Service and Administration: Ayanda Dlodlo

Public Works: Thulas Nxesi

Rural Development & Land Reform: Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

Science and Technology: Nkhensani Kubayi-Ngubane

Social Development: Ms Susan Shabangu

Sport & Recreation: Toko Xasa

State Security: Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba

Tourism: Derek Hanekom

Transport: Blade Nzimande

Water and Sanitation: Gugile Nkwinti

In the Presidency:

Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

Women: Bathabile Dlamini