Minister Malusi will deliver speech, says deputy

Amid growing speculation about whether Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, pictured, would keep his job, his deputy, Sfiso Buthelezi, confirmed yesterday that Gigaba would deliver the budget today.

“The question that is being asked of the minister is if he is going to present the budget. That is why we are here. There is a budget that is going to be presented tomorrow [today, 2pm] and it is going to be presented by nobody but Malusi Gigaba,” Buthelezi said.

Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s maiden State of the Nation address in parliament on Friday, Gigaba said he served at the pleasure of the president who had the prerogative to both “appoint and disappoint” ministers.

In his address, Ramaphosa strongly hinted at a Cabinet shake-up when he said he would review the make-up and size of government departments.

Investors are watching closely to see if Gigaba keeps his job.

Ramaphosa told reporters on his walk around Cape Town yesterday: “This is the time to walk, to reflect even about Cabinet and all that.”

Gigaba declined to comment when asked about the speculation over his job. –

There is a budget that is going to be presented and it is going to be presented by nobody but Malusi Gigaba. Sfiso Buthelezi Deputy Finance Minister