Politics: ‘The worst is definitely behind us’
HE HAS been called various things, including an “interrogator”, but now that he’s back in the cabinet, much to their delight, supporters of Pravin Gordhan see him as a “transformer”.
His reinstatement and other former ministers Bheki Cele, Blade Nzimande and Nhlanhla Nene has generated an overall positive reaction from business, religious leaders and the public.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made bold moves and fired several ministers said to be associated with the controversial Gupta family and state capture.
Economic growth and the uprooting of corruption were two key public expectations of the new cabinet, which includes Zweli Mkhize as minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Nene returning as finance minister, Reginah Mhaule as deputy minister of international relations and cooperation, Cele as police minister, Nzimande (transport), Naledi Pandor (higher education and training), Malusi Gigaba (home affairs) and Gwede Mantashe (mineral resources).
Ramaphosa’s deputy David Mabuza is now the country’s deputy president.
A further cabinet shake-up is expected when the president follows through with his undertaking to reduce its size.
“As indicated in the State of the Nation address, we have begun a review of the configuration, size and number of national ministries and departments. We will retain the existing ministries and departments until that review is completed,” he said when announcing the changes late on Monday.
Gordhan returns as minister of public enterprises, replacing Lynne Brown who was axed from the cabinet. Gordhan’s firing by former president Jacob Zuma in March last year saw a market rout, widespread public condemnation and a spike in activism against the state.
Ashok Chandika, convener of the Merebank Justice Network, a body of progressive activists who have been at the forefront of Gordhan’s fight for reinstatement, is eager to see what he will do in his new position.
“We have worked with Gordhan in the Durban region for over 30 years and so we know him personally. We welcome his return to cabinet because we believe he has the necessary integrity, attributes and skills that he will bring to bear in this new portfolio,” said Chandika.
“He has demonstrated in his past tenure at the SA Revenue Service that he is a turnaround specialist. Over his period as finance minister he has gained the respect of the investor institution and of the citizens in general.”
Chandika said the appointment was also good news for the financial markets.
“We think it is ideal that he has been given oversight, especially of state-owned enterprises, where he will be able to bring his scrutiny to bear on the various board members and their decisions so that taxpayers’ hard-earned money is spent effectively.”
Gordhan will oversee state-owned companies including Eskom, SA Airways, Denel and others.
He expects Gordhan to root out corrupt and incompetent officials.
“We expect him to monitor in real time, the large sums of money that is being spent to ensure that taxpayers get value for their money.
“In this sense, he has been called various things including the interrogator but we now see him as a transformer.”
Retired Judge Thumba Pillay said Gordhan was the perfect choice for the portfolio.
“His return to the cabinet
must be welcomed. I believe he will thrive in his new title although I am concerned about the other cabinet appointments such as Bheki Cele who needs to stop saying, ‘shoot first and ask questions later’.”
When Gordhan was removed as finance minister at the end of March last year, he was appointed as a member of the sub-committee on public enterprises in Parliament. He became continuously outspoken on state capture after his removal.
Political analyst Daniel Silke said the restructure signalled the beginning of Ramaphosa’s power and the renewal of governmental departments.
“This was a very major
reshuffle. A total of 10 ministers were removed from their portfolios but it was a business-friendly step.
“The minister of finance, public enterprises and minerals will indeed be seen positively by business. It certainly concentrates on improving the ministers of the economic cluster.”
He said Ramaphosa faced a number of complexities in selecting the cabinet. He said the biggest concern was Ramaphosa being forced to appoint Mabuza, a controversial politician, who he said represents some of the “ills” of the Zuma era. “The Mabuza appointment will cause some to query Ramaphosa’s ability to really effect change.”
Ebrahim Patel, president
of the Minara Chamber of Commerce, believes it was an overall balanced cabinet.
“We have seen ministers put into roles they’re highly capable of. Pandor will bring great value to her title. Gordhan will do great in his appointment, just as (in) his previous position,” Patel said.
“I believe Ramaphosa has chosen well; there is a great deal of confidence in him to move the country forward. The country is optimistic in Ramaphosa’s initiatives and focus; he has become very focused of ridding the country of the tentacle of corruption… we need to give the cabinet a bit of time to settle before we see recognisably positive change.”