South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, on Thursday reshuffled his Cabinet, the first time he has done so since he was elected into office in 2019.
The following changes have been made to the executive;
The portfolio of Human Settlement and Water and Sanitation has been split, with each getting a separate ministry.
Another major change is the disbandment of the State Security ministry. This portfolio will now lie in the presidency.
New appointments in the cabinet include;
- Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele
- Communications Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
- The Minister of Defence is taken over by Thandi Modise – with Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula getting the chop.
- Finance Minister is now Enoch Gondogwana.
- Health Minister is Joe Phaahla.
- Human Settlement Minister is Mamoloko Kubayi – who previously served as tourism minister.
- Public Service and Administration Minister is Ayanda Dlodlo.
- Lindiwe Sisulu has been appointed as Minister of Tourism.
- Water and Sanitation Minister is Senzo Mchunu.
Deputy Minister changes are as follows;
- Pinky Kekana will serve as the second Deputy Minister in the presidency
- Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform: Zoleka Capa
- Communications and Digital Technologies: Philly Mapulane
- Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Thembi Nkadimeng
- Health: Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo
- Mineral Resources and Energy: Dr Nobuhle Nkabane
- Public Service and Administration: Dr Chana Pilane-Majake
- Small Business Development: Sdumo Dlamini
- Transport: Sindisiwe Chikunga
- Water and Sanitation: Ms Dikeledi Magadzi
- Zizi Kodwa has been appointed deputy minister in the presidency responsible for state security.
Ramaphosa’s announcement follows weeks of speculation that he would reshuffle his cabinet.
Former Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, who had been on special leave since June, had earlier resigned as minister.
He was implicated in a Special Investigative Unit (SIU) investigation into an irregular R150 million tender awarded to Digital Vibes by the health department.
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni had asked to be replaced after taking up the position in 2018.