APPOINTMENT OF CABINET MEMBERS PREROGATIVE OF PRESIDENT WORKING WITH LEADERSHIP COLLECTIVES

Over the last couple of days, a number of reports have surfaced in the media alleging inappropriate and undue influence by the Gupta family over the appointment of members of the Cabinet. The African National Congress views these allegations in an extremely serious light as they have the potential to erode and undermine the authority of the ANC, as the governing party and the President over the State.

Section 91 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa bestows upon the President the authority to appoint Ministers, to assign them responsibilities and to dismiss them. In line with the ANC’s unwavering commitment to collective leadership, this is a prerogative that the President exercises in consultation with the National Officials of the African National Congress and Alliance Partners. This has been and remains the practice in the appointment of the National Executive.

Any persons or bodies purported to be “offering” Cabinet positions to members of the ANC or any other individuals do so in their own personal capacity with absolutely no authority to effect such offers. They do not carry nor represent the mandate of the African National Congress, which has been duly elected by our people to a position of trust to deliver on their aspirations.

The organisation does not and shall not outsource this function to any members of the public, regardless on whose authority they may claim to be acting. It is expected that the upcoming meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), as part of its overall political discussion, will consider this matter so as to reaffirm the authority of the organisation and restore the confidence of our people. 

Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC national spokesperson, 16 March 2016