President Ramaphosa to Announce Changes to the National Executive: Watch LIVE
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce changes to the National Executive at 22h00 tonight, Monday 26 February 2018, in a statement to media at The Presidency, Union Buildings, Pretoria. (Please note: This has been updated from earlier versions. The President was due to address the media at 20h30 but has been delayed. Acting Presidency […]
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce changes to the National Executive at 22h00 tonight, Monday 26 February 2018, in a statement to media at The Presidency, Union Buildings, Pretoria. (Please note: This has been updated from earlier versions. The President was due to address the media at 20h30 but has been delayed. Acting Presidency Spokesperson Tyrone Seale says the President is engaged in last minute “consultations”.)
Media representatives were told in a statement, issued by The Presidency this evening, that no Q&A session will be held afterwards.
According to local reports, the President is likely to announce his new Deputy President, with speculation that this could be Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, Minister of Human Settlements Lindiwe Sisulu, Speaker Baleka Mbete, ANC Deputy President David Mabuza or Gauteng ANC Leader and Treasurer General, Paul Mashatile.
Many are hoping the President will announce a reduction in the bloated cabinet, which grew in size during former President Jacob Zuma’s years as head of state.
The press announcement will take place in the media centre in the East Wing of the Union Buildings.
Watch live here: President Cyril Ramaphosa announces cabinet reshuffle
Before the announcement, EFF Leader Julius Malema (who usually appears to be correct on his insider-informed ‘predictions’) and Police Minister Fikile Mbalula tweeted the following:
Malema tweeted after the second postponement that: “Apparently Cyril changed what was agreed with Officials and now they are fighting, hence the delay.”
What makes Nomvula survive all the time? Now going to communications
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 26, 2018
How do you keep Gigaba of all the people and talk about fight against state capture?
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/MbalulaFikile/status/968186895544082433
Julius has been right before. It would be fascinating to know the real reason behind the Ramaphostponement. https://t.co/l9pqPVEt6L
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) February 26, 2018