Is Gordhan facing the sack in cabinet reshuffle?
INDEPENDENT Media has reliably learnt that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, are on their way out.
It is believed a planned cabinet reshuffle scheduled for yesterday was put on hold due to the death of Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada.
A much-changed cabinet is ex- pected to be named by President Jacob Zuma on Sunday or Monday.
According to a reliable source, Gordhan has been “completely isolated” and has “no support” in the ANC’s top six. Brian Molefe or Sifiso Buthelezi could replace him as head of the Treasury.
Yesterday, the ANC reminded Zuma he did not run a presidential system and should consult with the alliance before making any “reckless” decision to remove Gordhan. It said Gordhan should not be ha- rassed, but should be given support to continue with the good work he had been doing at the Treasury.
But Independent’s source said the SACP was concentrating its efforts on fighting for the positions of other Communist Party members.
“The president wants to axe both Rob Davies and Ebrahim Patel. The SACP is determined that at least one of the two – preferably Patel – be retained,” the source said.
Also expected to be axed is Transport Minister Dipuo Peters, while a number of others are likely to be moved to other portfolios. These include Jeff Radebe, Faith Muthambi and Nathi Nhleko.
Former National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele is being tipped to take Nhleko’s place as Police Minister.
Yesterday, Gordhan jetted back into the country at the behest of Zuma, cutting short his trip to the UK to woo international investors.
The rand has been volatile since Zuma ordered Gordhan to return, although Gordhan said “yes” when asked by a reporter if he was still the finance minister.
Zuma’s order cut short Gordhan’s investor roadshow in Britain and the US, triggering jitters that a long-running power struggle between the two threatens more turmoil for South Africa’s economy.
“The president is my boss, so if he asks us to come back, we come back,” Gordhan said. – Additional reporting by Reuters