EFF STATEMENT ON THE RAMAPHOSA CABINET RESHUFFLE
Thursday, 22 November 2018
The EFF notes the cabinet reshuffle by President Ramaphosa. We welcome the initiative to reconcile the departments of Telecommunications and Communications into one single department. This is a long overdue move. Their separation was a backward move based on an attempt by Zuma to patronize his cronies in the ANC, thus placing the interest of ANC factions above those of the people of South Africa and their resources. We welcome the appointment of Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams as a statement of confidence in young African female leadership that is often disregarded and marginalized across many sectors of society.
We reject the recycling of disreputable characters like Nomvula Mokonyane. There is no value that she can add expect to constantly show incompetence and total disregard to public resources and the rule of law. This is the same with individuals like Bathabile Dlamini who is still kept in the cabinet despite rendering the department of social development dysfunctional, thereby threatening the payment of social grants.
We further express deep disappointment at the decision to recycle Minister Cwele.
People like Cwele, as well as many others who have been in cabinet since the 1990s like Naledi Pando and Jeff Radebe. There is no difference between these individuals and all those presidents in the African continent who want to serve in positions of power till death. They are all tired and have nothing more to offer to the people of South Africa after serving over 20 years in cabinet.
It is also inexplicable why Pravin Gordhan, who lied to Parliament on two occasions, was not removed. There is no difference between Gordhan who lied about meeting the Guptas and Nhlanhla Nene. They belong to the same logic of hiding their relations with the Gupta family and then lying about it when exposed.
We call on Pravin Gordhan, Bathabile Dlamini and Nomvula Mokonyane to all be removed from the cabinet.
Statement issued by Economic Freedom Fighters, 22 November 2018
