Dlamini-Zuma ‘in the dark’ over cabinet post

ANC presidential contender Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says she’s not been told anything about her possible appointment to President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet.

Speaking to reporters minutes after she was sworn in as an MP by Lechesa Tsenoli, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Dlamini-Zuma said for now she was only looking forward to serving in the oversight committees of the legislature.

“Well, I’ve been informed [by] the office of the chief whip [Jackson Mthembu] and the office of the secretary-general [Gwede Mantashe] that I’m coming here to be a member of parliament.

“They’ve not told me anything else, so as far as I am concerned I’m coming to parliament to be an MP,” she said.

There’s been speculation that Dlamini-Zuma’s deployment to parliament was a procedural step to pave the way for her to be appointed as a minister amid rumours that Zuma was planning another cabinet reshuffle.

In terms of the constitution, the president appoints cabinet ministers from among members of the national assembly.

Dlamini-Zuma, who has taken up a seat left vacant by the resignation of former ANC Youth League member Pule Mabe, said she was ready to serve in any portfolio committee assigned to her by the party leadership.

“They decide which committees you are going to, you don’t choose, they will tell me which committee to go to.

“It’s interesting coming back after five years. Everything is my interest but I will focus on what they say I must focus on.”

The former minister of health, foreign affairs and home affairs, also a previous chairwoman of the African Union’s commission, took oath of office just minutes before outspoken ANC MP Makhosi Khoza quit the party.

Dorris Dlakude, the deputy chief whip of the ANC who witnessed Dlamini-Zuma’s swearingin ceremony, said she was not surprised by Khoza’s resignation.

Dlakude said they had not yet received her resignation letter.

“Not yet – she resigned through the media … we saw it on TV. It’s her choice.” — DDC