Ramaphosa explains reshuffle thinking
• Reasons include ability and team work, MPs told
President Cyril Ramaphosa has for the first time given reasons for his cabinet reshuffle in August. During a question-andanswer session in the National Assembly on Friday, he was asked to explain why he discharged some and retained most ministers in the national executive.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has for the first time given reasons for his August cabinet reshuffle.
During a question-andanswer session in the National Assembly on Friday, he was asked to explain why he discharged some and retained most ministers in the national executive.
Ramaphosa said sacked ministers were not provided with reasons for their removal. Members who collectively and individually have the understanding, “the ability and the commitment to implement the electoral mandate received by my party”, were considered for appointment.
In August, Ramaphosa moved some ministers around, sacked others and scrapped a ministry in the first cabinet reshuffle since he became head of state three years ago.
He replaced Tito Mboweni with ANC economic head Enoch Godongwana as finance minister. Mboweni had always indicated he wanted out. Former deputy minister of intelligence Zizi Kodwa, a trusted Ramaphosa ally, is now responsible for intelligence.
Ramaphosa accepted the resignation of health minister Zwele Mkhize, who is facing allegations of corruption. Mkhize was replaced by his deputy, Joe Phaahla.
Defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who has faced accusations of corruption, was shifted to parliament and subsequently elected National Assembly speaker, essentially swapping roles with Thandi Modise, who was moved to head the defence portfolio.
Cabinet reshuffles, which became common during the tenure of former president Jacob Zuma, are often divisive and controversial as reasons for the changes are not provided.
MPs raised concerns on Friday that some ministers accused of corruption at the state capture commission, including mineral resources & energy minister Gwede Mantashe and Kodwa, had been retained.
Ramaphosa said the ministers explained their cases at the commission and they have not been found guilty of anything.
“The constitution empowers and authorises the president to appoint members of the cabinet. And in doing so, the president does not have to give any explanation, and indeed the construct of our democracy is such that it empowers the president to take that decision and this happens all over the world. The president alone is given that authority or prerogative,” Ramaphosa said.
“I also look at the experience a person has had that will enable them to drive the policy direction of government.
“I consider their capacity to adapt and understand the portfolio they will lead, but I also look at their ability to work with various social partners to achieve the electoral mandate.
“To provide greater accountability and transparency, I have signed performance agreements with all ministers [and] deputy ministers, that outline in detail their responsibilities and tasks.”
DA leader John Steenhuisen asked why Ramaphosa’s deputy, David Mabuza, who is tasked with leading government business and the response to the Covid-19 crisis, remained in his role though he has been “missing in action”.
“He has been in Russia for six weeks seeking treatment. What a vote of confidence in [SA’s] health-care system ... can you give us an assurance that not one cent of public money was spent [on his travel to Russia and treatment]?” Steenhuisen asked.
Ramaphosa said Mabuza was entitled to seek treatment anywhere in the world.
“Some measure of kindness is required when somebody is not well ... For somebody who is not well to be subjected to the type of attacks ... I find that not only unkind but quite terrible.
“Where he gets his treatment in the end it is a personal choice, just as anyone would choose a doctor.”
Ramaphosa said the deputy president was entitled to security wherever he goes, but he added that “we do not choose to be continuously shadowed by security people”.
Since 2015, after he was allegedly poisoned during his tenure as Mpumalanga premier, Mabuza has visited Russia often to seek treatment.