Cabinet reshuffle has Zuma-ranged on ANC and us

WITH the cabinet reshuffle by President Jacob Zuma and the reaction from his ANC colleagues, it clearly seems that there are other parties that hold greater sway than the key roleplayers in the ANC.

For the likes of Cyril Ramaphosa, Gwede Mantashe and Zweli Mkhize to acknowledge no role or input whatsoever, it’s sad such powerful and important people are reduced to mere functionaries. Do not underestimate the influence of Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. Her zero-profile and silence speaks volumes. However, it seems other interests do have some role as well.

As for the finance portfolio, what is disturbing is the rapid change and appointment of advisers whose reputation is beginning to be questioned.

The replacement of minister, deputy minister and directorgeneral leaves a severe skills deficit and loss of institutional memory.

The current deputy minister of finance left Prasa in a huge mess, and one wonders if this was deliberate or reflects absolute ignorance, like many of Zuma’s other ineffective appointments. Berning Ntlemeza, Bathabile Dlamini, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, take your pick.

What is disturbing is that the removal of Pravin Gordhan was the sudden trigger, and his presence in finance was almost being seen in God-like terms. Why Mcebisi Jonas was not retained makes no sense.

The tragedy is many in SA can identify and mitigate many political risks, but one risk that cannot be factored is incompetence, coupled with a sense of corruption.

The judiciary, even given Judge Chris Nicholson’s famous ill-fated judgment in 2008, could have prevented a lot of misdemeanours. The celebration turned into a nightmare. Just as in the apartheid era when various judges found creative ways to assist political detainees, today’s judges would need to go the extra mile in stamping out corruption.

Ultimately, the reshuffle will have a strong negative effect on the SA consumer and corporate sector: weaker purchasing power (less goods and services) and a hike in interest rates to prevent further currency falls.

When South Africans could have been enjoying a higher standard of living, the sadness is Zuma’s antics have Zuma-ranged on the ANC and citizens’ wallets. MUHAMMAD OMAR

Durban North