South African Presidency Denies Media’s Reshuffle Rumours

The South African Presidency has rejected a story published by Independent Newspapers about an alleged imminent Cabinet reshuffle by the President during the coming week.

In the newspaper report it was claimed that President Zuma is planning to remove the following members from Cabinet: Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies and Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande.

The Presidency said: “The report is mischievous and is clearly designed to sow divisions, uncertainty and confusion.

“The President’s current focus is to implement the programme of action arising from the State of the Nation Address and the fiscal consolidation programme outlined in the Budget Speech.

“All Ministers and Departments have been directed by the President to focus on this programme of action.

“The attempts to divert them and cause unease and uncertainty within the national executive of government is rejected outright.”