By Kaya 959 News
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced changes to his cabinet.
The president confirmed the new ministerial positions during a cabinet reshuffling briefing on Thursday night.
Dr Zweli Mkhize has officially resigned as the country’s health minister.
“I have received from Minister Zwelini Mkhize to allow him to step down as the Minister of Health in order to bring certainty and stability to this important portfolio. I am grateful to Minister Mkhize for his service, and particularly for the outstanding leadership he has provided in the face of the worst pandemic in over a century,” Ramaphosa said.
The president placed Mkhize on special leave in June following the Digital Vibes tender scandal.
Digital Vibes is a media company run by Mkhize’s former personal spokesperson, Tahera Mather and his former personal assistant, Naadhira Mitha.
The company was awarded a R150 million tender for services linked to the National Health Insurance and later the roll-out of communications around COVID-19.
READ: SIU hands over report on Digital Vibes
Tito Mboweni removed as finance minister
Tito Mboweni is no longer the minister of finance. Ramaphosa said he accepted Mboweni’s long-standing request to be excused as finance minister.
Mboweni took up the position following the sudden departure of former minister Nhlanhla Nene in October 2018.
Ramaphosa has also decided to “do away with the Ministry of State Security and place political responsibility for the State Security Agency in the Presidency”.
“This is to ensure that the country’s domestic and foreign intelligence services more effectively enable the President to exercise his responsibility to safeguard the security and integrity of the nation,” he said.
Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will be deployed to a new position.
READ: Tito Mboweni is back in the kitchen with a spicy masonja mix dish
Here are the new Ministers:
– The Presidency: Mondli Gungubele
– Communications and Digital Technologies: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
– Defence and Military Veterans: Thandi Modise
– Finance: Enoch Godongwana
– Health: Joe Phaahla
– Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi
– Public Service and Administration: Ayanda Dlodlo
– Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
– Tourism: Lindiwe Sisulu
– Water and Sanitation: Senzo Mchunu
Deputy Ministers:
– The Presidency: Pinky Kekana will come in as a second Deputy Minister
– 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: Nobuhle Nkabane
– Public Service and Administration: Dr Chana Pilane-Majake
– Small Business Development: Sdumo Dlamini
– Transport: Sindisiwe Chikunga
– Water and Sanitation: Dikeledi Magadzi
– Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security: Zizi Kodwa
President @CyrilRamaphosa announces changes to the National Executive https://t.co/6anYiFCHRq
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 5, 2021