Deputy Minister of Economic Development resigns

The Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Mr Enoch Godongwana, has resigned to pursue personal interests.

He informed President Zuma of his intention early in December and the President asked him to stay on until mid-January.

The President has accepted the resignation and thanked the Deputy Minister for his dedicated service and duty to his portfolio and to the National Executive in general. 

Mr Godongwana's last day will be the 16th of January.

President Zuma said the resignation is a huge loss given Mr Godongwana's expertise, skills and experience.

Mr Godongwana is widely regarded in economics, with a Master of Science degree in Financial Economics from the University of London. He is also a former Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises and continues to be a member of the ruling party's Economic Transformation Committee. 

From 1994 to 2009, he served as Member of Provincial Legislature in the Eastern Cape, becoming MEC for Provincial Treasury, Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism from 1994 to 1998 and 1998 to 2004 as well as MEC for Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism in the Eastern Cape until he joined the National Government in 2010.

"We wish him well in his future endeavours but we are certain that his work experience and expertise will not be entirely lost to the public service but will be utilised elsewhere in the pursuit of the goal of meaningful economic transformation," said President Zuma.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, January 15 2012

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