Paul Mashatile was sworn in as an MP on Monday, paving the way for him to take a seat in the cabinet.
Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula facilitated the swearing-in, where Mashatile swore “to be loyal to the republic of South Africa and to … obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the republic”.
Other ANC members to be sworn in are Maropene Ramokgopa, Sihle Zikalala and Parks Tau.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to reshuffle his cabinet ahead of his State of the Nation address (Sona) on Thursday.
Mashatile, was elected ANC vice-president in December at the party’s conference, having previously not been a member of parliament, as a condition for his appointment to the cabinet. He is also not listed on the ANC parliamentary list from the 2019 national elections, which can only be changed in March.
Four MPs – Tshilidzi Munyai, Mervyn Dirks, Masefako Dikgale and Matshidiso Mfikoe – resigned last week, allowing the addition of four new members, the ANC parliamentary caucus announced on Sunday.
Two weeks ago, the Mail & Guardians reported that Vice President David Mabuza submitted his resignation to Ramaphosa and is awaiting the head of state’s response before resigning from parliament.
Mabuza reiterated his resignation proposal at a funeral in Mpumalanga on Saturday.
Ramaphosa is reportedly trying to convince his deputy to delay his resignation.
Ramaphosa is believed to be buying time, with insiders saying he plans to announce a reconfigured cabinet on Sunday.
Mabuza’s allies say he will not remain as vice president, ing M&G reported earlier on Friday.