The tense political atmosphere that was there as people awaited the announcement of the new cabinet seems to be dissipating gradually with the recent presentation of the new cabinet by President Zuma.
The most obvious appointment was the confirmation of Cyril Ramaposa as the country’s deputy president. The appointment of Cyril, who is widely respected by the business community, will most likely go down well with investors. Ramaposa, one of the chief architects of the constitution of the Rainbow nation has been tied to investment in the volatile mining markets of South Africa.
A real shocker was the replacement of finance minister, Pravin Gordam with his former deputy, Nhlanhla Nene. It was not clear what reason could have led to the removal of the much respected Gordam from the hot seat. The former minister of finance was moved to the ministry of Cooperative Governance and traditional affairs.
Another change that was waiting to happen was the replacement of the mining minister, Susan Shabangu with another former deputy, Ngoako Ramatlhodi. Ramatlhodi is a former deputy minister in the prisons ministry. Shabangu is widely credited with the poor handling of the strike in the platinum mines which is now in its fifth week. She was however moved to the president’s office as the minister responsible for women.
Another notable move was that of Minister of police, Nathi Mthethwa who will now head the lesser ministry of arts and culture.
New ministries that were added were the ministry of small businesses headed by Lindiwe Zulu as well as that of communications which will be spearheaded by Siyabonga Cwele.
Below are the rest of the ministers as presented by the president on Sunday:
Minister in the Presidency: Jeff Radebe
Minister of Women in the Presidency: Susan Shabangu
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services: Michael Masutha
Minister of Public Service and Administration: Collins Chabane
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans: Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
Minister of Home Affairs: Malusi Gigaba
Minister of Environmental Affairs: Edna Molewa
Minister of State Security: David Mahlobo
Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Service: Siyabonga Cwele
Minister of Police: Nkosinathi Nhleko
Minister of Trade and Industry: Rob Davies
Minister of Finance: Nhlanhla Nene
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Senzeni Zokwana
Minister of Water and Sanitation: Nomvula Mokonyane
Minister of Basic Education: Angie Motshekga
Minister of Health: Aaron Motsoaledi
Minister of International Relations and Co-operation: Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform: Gugile Nkwinti
Minister of Higher Education and Training: Blade Nzimande
Minister of Economic Development: Ebrahim Patel
Minister of Transport: Dipuo Peters
Minister of Mineral Resources: Ngoako Ramathlodi
Minister of Social Development: Bathabile Dlamini
Minister of Public Enterprises: Lynne Brown
Minister of Sport and Recreation: Fikile Mbalula
Minister of Labour: Mildred Oliphant
Minister of Arts and Culture: Nathi Mthethwa
Minister of Public Works: Thulas Nxesi
Minister of Small Business Development: Lindiwe Zulu
Minister of Energy: Tina Joemat-Pettersson
Minister of Science and Technology: Naledi Pandor
Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Pravin Gordhan
Minister of Communications: Faith Muthambi
Minister of Human Settlements: Lindiwe Sisulu
Tourism: Derek Hanekom
