Reshuffle displayed president’s leadership skills

Speculations about a cabinet reshuffle have been rife for some time, but many commentators did not fully understand and appreciate the inner workings of the ANC, where consensus plays a vital role.

The president, who does not have a broad power base, had to play his cards strategically and patiently given the opposing factions within the ANC. On top of that he has to manage a diverse, unequal and divided country.

Ironically two disasters, the pandemic and the recent violence and looting, provided him with the opportunity to display his leadership skills and strengthened his hand.

The reshuffle, partially necessitated by vacancies and a recognition of challenges facing us now, includes a surprisingly wide range of appointments and a realignment of certain departments. The focus on security, placing the responsibility within the presidency, is to be welcomed in view of the lack of timeous information about the recent violence and looting.

Given the diverse interests represented in our country, the reshuffle will of course not please everybody. But it is long overdue and is to be welcomed. It will restore some confidence and optimism about the road ahead.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s strength lies in his strategic thinking, his patience and negotiating skills. All of these skills have been in play in this reshuffle and allowed him to consolidate his position. Dawie Jacobs, Sterrewag Ramaphosa cowers in fear

It seems the president has realised he has to micromanage the affairs of this country if the ANC as a collective is to survive into the future. He is not thinking out of the “pot”, though, as he continuously appoints old comrades and tjommies.

Running scared of the tribalists and factions within the country, he cowers in fear, unable to make those difficult decisions of eliminating people who are unqualified to serve in the cabinet.

The country will continue to suffer as the ANC political narrative is thrust upon its citizens.

Unless the ANC is put out to pasture in the next elections, the country will wilt like a flower under a scorching sun.

Peter Bachtis, Benoni

Just a party man

Now we know for sure! Cyril Ramaphosa is the president of the ANC but not of the nation. He has simply surrounded himself with cadres who’ll protect him from the Zuma onslaught.

He also has his eye on the pending municipal elections and needs to show blinded ANC voters, bamboozled over the years, that the party is still worth their support. That the country is a total shambles counts for naught when it comes to the ballot box. And why the necessity for a panel investigating the reasons behind the recent protests, when by now he knows full well who’s behind it?

The redeployment of Lindiwe Sisulu is further proof he is only a party man and no visionary. How much longer are we able to put up with a rudderless government?

Cliff Buchler, Claremont

BIG must not be a vanity project

The minister of social development, Lindiwe Zulu, is apparently warming to the introduction of a basic income grant (BIG) as her “legacy” to SA, according to the Centre for Economic Development and Transformation’s BIG crusader, Duma Gqubule, “Income grant ‘likely in the next budget’ ”, (August 1).

The word speaks volumes. The notion of Zulu gifting alms to the poor like a latter-day Imelda Marcos, as if the fiscus were her personal property to bestow, conveys perfectly the ANC’s neo-patrimonial attitude towards state resources and the narcissistic populism of some of its cabinet ministers.

In December 2017, then president Jacob Zuma, hoping to sway delegates in favour of his ex-wife’s candidacy at the ANC’s elective conference and guarantee his legacy at the same time, announced free higher education for all students from households with a combined annual income of up to R350,000.

The announcement was totally reckless. It was made without regard to costing of any description, it flew in the face of the Heher commission’s recommendations, and it has created a rod for the government’s own back.

Let’s hope that long-term value to society, rather than short-term vanity for politicians, is the consideration top of mind when BIG is weighed in the balance. Michael Cardo, DA MP, Cape Town

Never mind the ref, think of fans

So Rugby Australia will provide physical and mental support for referee Nic Berry after his disastrous performance in the first Test between SA and the British and Irish Lions, “Spare a thought for the ref who gets it from all sides”, (August 1).

This is kind of them seeing that his trauma was self-inflicted. I wonder if they would consider physical and mental support for the thousands of South Africans who were left severely traumatised by his inept performance.

AM Naude, Komani

Women are the pillars of humanity

If we are to succeed as a nation, then there are certain truths that we should never overlook, such as: “Behind every successful man there is a woman.” Everyone we look up to had to pass through the hands of a woman in the early stages of their lives. Behind any great man or woman there is a woman who has sacrificed herself and her resources.

As a woman, never look down on yourself — you are the pillars of humanity.

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