By: Natasha Archary
President Cyril Ramaphosa aims to reshape his Cabinet in the next few days, and has begun by swearing in Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana as a Member of Parliament.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 01 March and is in line with the President’s right to appoint two people who are not MPs to his Cabinet.
Godongwana will replace Mike Basopu, and the pre-emptive move may be in order for Ramaphosa to announce the new Minister of Electricity.
Predictions for the Cabinet reshuffle raised questions over whether the President will let Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan or, Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe go.
“The main focus on the reshuffle will be on how the President deals with the civil war between Gwede Mantashe and Pravin Gordhan.
Mantashe’s view that he can manage Eskom better, has been bolstered by the conference resolution to dissolve the Ministry of Public Enterprises.
Whilst that may be done, it is not guaranteed that Eskom would be run by a Mantashe-led Ministry.
Rather, a compromise of splitting the Minerals and Energy portfolio into two discreet departments could be the political solution. That would then enable the President to honour the conference resolution of relocating Eskom but also keep it away from Mantashe’s control.”
Khaya Sithole, Independent Political Analyst shares his opinion on Ramaphosa’s possible cabinet reshuffle
The President’s imminent reshuffle may also mean those who failed to secure a seat on the ANC’s 80-member National Executive Committee won’t make the cut.
Many senior members, including Pravin Gordhan, Thulas Nxesi, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Naledi Pandor as well as Nathi Mthethwa.
Earlier on Wednesday, 01 March Deputy President DD Mabuza resigned.
Also read: Ramaphosa’s attempt to contest the Phala Phala report in court was unsuccessful



