Mashatile remains second citizen while other ANC members are demoted
Last night Ramaphosa unveiled his Cabinet – which contrary to his previous commitments to reduce it has become bigger.
Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile on a two-day oversight visit in Eastern Cape. Picture: X/PresidencyZA
While Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been re-appointed as the country’s second most powerful politician – several other African National Congress (ANC) leaders have been demoted.
This comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa makes space in his Cabinet to cater for the opposition – who’ve taken up membership in the government of national unity (GNU).
Last night Ramaphosa unveiled his Cabinet – which contrary to his previous commitments to reduce it has become bigger.
ANC ministers have been whittled down from the 28 who previously served in Cabinet to only 16 appointed alongside several other parties.
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Ministers such as Gwede Mantashe, Enoch Gondongwana and Mmamoloko Kubayi have retained their previous portfolios – while others like Ronald Lamola – Sindisiwe Chikunga – Barbara Creecy and Thembi Nkandimeng have been moved to new departments.
Angie Motshekga who has been the Basic Education Minister since 2009 – is now in charge of defence.
While the likes of Mondli Gungubele and Sihle Zikalala are now deputy ministers.
Political analyst Sanusha Naidu says this cabinet has been designed to accommodate those who’ve signed the GNU agreement.
“It’s a balanced kind of cabinet, given the circumstances under which cabinet had to be composed of the dynamics around the statement of intent and to balance out the ANC representation, DA, IFP, FF Plus and the other smaller parties.”
With at least six departments being allocated two deputy ministers - some have already started to express concern over the financial cost of this bloated government.