Cabinet reshuffle retains deadwood

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has, predictably, fired most of the Gupta-linked cabinet ministers, but, unpredictably, retained some of Jacob Zuma’s deadwood. Even though he states that this is a transitional cabinet, the flaws in this cabinet cannot escape attention and comment. If they are transitional ministers we should not expect much then from them.

But first the plaudits for getting rid of Faith Muthambi, Des van Rooyen, Lynne Brown, Mosebenzi Zwane, David Mahlobo, Bongani Bongo, Nathi Nhleko, Fikile Mbalula, Hlengiwe Mkhize and Joe Maswanganyi. Getting rid of them was a no-brainer.

It is not only ridding the cabinet of the Zuptas, however paramount that was. There are still useless Zumaists that the cautious “new dawn” should have removed not merely because they are Zumaists but incompetence is written large across their portfolio.

Just think of Senzeni Zokwana. What notable thing do you remember him doing other than protesting loudly that he would walk naked from Braamfontein to Rosebank in defence of Zuma’s dignity? After he was rewarded with a ministerial position by Zuma we never heard anymore of his naked protestations. Or anything of value to South Africans.

Zokwana is still earning millions even after his hero was shown the door.

Another one whose survival of the chop puzzles. Nathi Mthethwa, officially in Arts and Culture, is just a wallflower who in essence should be dubbed the Minister of Mourning and Funerals. Taxpayer funds are wasted in his ministry.

Ah, there is still the ebullient Nomvula Mokonyane. She is a loudmouth Zumaist who once threatened to use her buttocks to defend Zuma. Yes, it is the same lady who once stated that if the rand falls we shall simply pick it up. And Ramaphosa redeploys her – wait a minute – as a Communications minister.

Has Ramaphosa forgotten that she once told ANC supporters in the Westonaria area that the ANC does not care for their dirty votes? And this is the one who is supposed to communicate to the world government issues.

Wait a minute. There is still the blundering misfit who has been shifted from Social Development to the Presidency. Bathabile Dlamini has no business being a cabinet minister anywhere in South Africa except that this is Zuma’s South Africa where anyone can be a cabinet minister.

Be that as it may, the euphoria around Ramaphosa’s “new dawn” is not going to last long. After all “Thuma Mina” is no new era oke but an old ANC hand with a new paint of old colours. Centurion, Tshwane