South Africa will know about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s reshuffle to Cabinet “within days”, the President said.
Ramaphosa’s much-anticipated Cabinet reshuffle has been delayed by negotiations within the African National Congress (ANC) and its ruling party alliance partners.
The President reportedly met the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) last week, to discuss the overhaul.
‘Sense of urgency’
On Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa understood that the reshuffle was necessary because of the vacancy in the Cabinet.
“There is a vacancy in the Cabinet and we also currently have a vacancy in the position of vice president, so there is a sense of urgency for the president to fill the vacancy.
“In a few days, the announcement will be made,” he said during a media briefing.
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Magwenya said the president should put his mind to the reshuffle hence why he is taking time.
“The appointment of Cabinet members and the management of the Cabinet is not something that can be done quickly or something that can be done quickly.
“This has to be considered very carefully because you have to look at the stability of the government and the programs that have been implemented.”
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He explained that there are many “layers of complexity and sensitivity” to decisions that need to be looked at.
“I’m not sure they’re going to agree that it’s been a long time since the work of the government continues, whether it’s the energy crisis or other areas of government.”
Magwenya added that a new electricity minister would also be appointed.
“The length of time it takes to apply thoughts and consult if necessary and finally make the decision does not have a direct impact on the government’s work. But this does not mean it is not important, it is important to speed up various aspects of the government’s work,” he said.
Mabuza retreated
Earlier in the day, the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa had accepted Mabuza’s resignation.
Mabuza sent a letter of resignation as a Member of Parliament (MP) to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Novisiwe Mapisa-Nqakula, on Tuesday evening.
The move comes weeks after Mabuza asked Ramaphosa to relieve him of his duties as deputy president.
ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile is expected to replace Mabuza.
Mashatile was sworn in as an MP at the Union Buildings in Pretoria last month.
The ANC’s second-in-command was elected at the ruling party’s 55th national elective conference in December, following Mabuza’s decision to decline nominations for the post.
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