Cabinet reshuffle: Once again, Zuma puts personal interests above country interests 

17 October 2017

Like many South Africans, the Save South Africa campaign is deeply disturbed by today’s Cabinet reshuffle, and we sincerely hope this is the last kick of a dying horse.

Our own assessment of the “rationale” for the latest reshuffle is as follows:

Blade Nzimande has been knifed as Higher Education Minister for helping the South African Communist Party find its voice on the issue of state capture, and for directly challenging Zuma and the Guptas. It obviously also denies Nzimande the opportunity to take credit for any new announcements on funding higher education.

Hlengiwe Mkhize had to be moved from Home Affairs because she was clearly not favouring the Guptas’ project to set up their own private international airport in the OR Tambo precinct.

David Mahlobo has been appointed Energy Minister to ensure the Russian nuclear deal is put to bed before the President is removed from office. And he has been replaced with an equally opaque and loyal Intelligence Minister in the form of Bongani Bongo, to ensure the intelligence services continue to protect politicians rather than citizens.

Mmamoloko Kubayi didn’t do enough during her seven months as Energy Minister to fast-track the nuclear deal. But she obviously remains loyal enough to both the President and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to provide the correct “guidance” to the SABC over the next few months in her role as Communications Minister.

Ayanda Dlodlo is clearly paying the price for not facilitating a Zuma-friendly SABC – and in this case, we mean both Jacob Zuma and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma – and had to be replaced to bolster the “NDZ” propaganda campaign in advance of the ANC’s December conference.

Our view is reinforced by the President’s decision this morning to finally sign-off the new SABC Board – but not without appointing a devotee as chair: Bongumusa Makhathini, who also chairs the Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation for one of Zuma’s wives.

Not one of these Cabinet appointments is based on merit, experience, knowledge, or an ability to run these portfolios effectively and with integrity. This is exactly what we have come to expect from Zuma.

The Save South Africa campaign is clear: Cabinet appointments must be made in the interests of South Africa -- rather than in the interests of an increasingly feeble and embattled President.

Issued by Save South Africa, 17 October 2017