Zuma's reasons for reckless removal of Nene ring false

11 December 2015

The reasons offered this evening by President Jacob Zuma for his reckless removal of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene two days ago ring completely false.

It is clear that President Zuma has manufactured a post-hoc rationalisation of his disastrous decision two days ago, in response to the devastating consequences that decision has already had for the economy.

Since firing Nene on Wednesday, President Zuma has watched silently as the South African economy took a beating, our currency sharply devalued, and the yield on government debt sharply increased.

President Zuma offered no clear reason for the decision when it was announced on Wednesday evening. The reasons offered this evening are laughable.

The nomination of Nene to head the Johannesburg office of the BRICS Bank would in no way preclude him from remaining Finance Minister until such time as his nomination was confirmed. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma continued to serve as a Minister while also nominated to head the African Union.

If the BRICS Bank nomination was the real reason, then there was no need for an urgent firing of Nene, and the President could easily have fully explained the context to the nation. He did not.

President Zuma’s reasons offered this evening are spurious, illogical and disingenuous.

President Zuma’s deeply irresponsible decision has created an economic crisis, which may well prove to be a watershed moment in his failed presidency.

Jacob Zuma's couldn't-care-less attitude to South Africa must end. It is time for change.

Statement issued by DA leader, Mmusi Maimane, 11 December 2015