Zuma slammed for key cabinet choices

THE redeployment of Communications Minister Faith Muthambi as Minister of Public Service and Administration head illustrates President Jacob Zuma’s “disregard for sound governance and maintenance of accountable and ethical leadership within the public service”.

This was stated yesterday by Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) director Jay Kruuse.

He added that retaining Bathabile Dlamini in the cabinet despite her severe failure in the Social Development Department was another illustration of poor leadership.

“These events leave the South African public with confidence that this reshuffled cabinet can bring about much-needed social and economic transformation,” said Kruuse.

PSAM, a unit within the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, has called for more citizen activism.

“The public must not just be an observer. They must expect more, demand more of those in leadership and who took an oath to uphold this country’s constitution,” said Kruuse.

Muthambi was criticised for unduly interfering in matters concerning the SABC board and was said to have contributed to the board’s failure to uphold its fiduciary duties.

The board was later replaced by an interim board.

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) accused Zuma of “rewarding mediocrity” after retaining Muthambi in his cabinet despite her dismal failures.

In a statement the union expressed disappointment with the decision. —