CABINET RESHUFFLING IS STRATEGIC

The Freedom Front Plus welcomes the cabinet reshuffling. The message sent out by the reshuffling to cabinet members is that they have to perform or else they will be replaced. It is the first big cabinet reshuffling since 1994 which indicates that President Zuma's approach differs from President Mbeki and President Mandela's.

"The general impression is that the reason for the reshuffling had not been the performance of ministers alone but tactical ANC considerations had played the main role. The appointment of two former Youth Leaders, Fikile Mbalula and Malusi Gigaba as ministers is strategic to accommodate the ANC Youth before the municipal elections next year where the youth represents an important vote. Good performers such as Barbara Hogan and Geoff Doidge's firing can not be as a result of poor performance but is most probably to make way for others," Mr. Pieter Groenewald, the Parliamentary leader of the Freedom Front Plus, says.

"Siphiwe Nyanda could not make it and his firing was therefore needed and is welcomed. The reshuffling had however not favoured one single political faction within the ANC as Trevor Manuel and the economic group had not been reshuffled. Whether the cabinet reshuffling will lead to better service delivery will still have to be proven," Groenewald said.

Statement issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus Parliamentary Leader, November 1 2010

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