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Zuma reshuffles Cabinet, fires Gordhan

Simnikiwe Mzekandaba
By Simnikiwe Mzekandaba, IT in government editor
Johannesburg, 30 Mar 2017
President Jacob Zuma axes Pravin Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas, moves Faith Muthambi to another ministry.
President Jacob Zuma axes Pravin Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas, moves Faith Muthambi to another ministry.

President Jacob Zuma has reshuffled Cabinet, resulting in the move of minister Faith Muthambi from the Department of Communications (DOC) to public service and administration.

The president has appointed Ayanda Dlodlo to take over Muthambi. The DOC's deputy minister is Thandi Mahambehlala.

Dlodlo inherits an embattled communications portfolio and will have to ensure the country's digital migration project goes full-steam ahead.

Hours after a calling a meeting of the African National Congress' top six officials in Pretoria late yesterday, Zuma announced in a statement the dramatic changes to the national executive.

The most significant change in the president's Cabinet shake-up is the removal of finance minister Pravin Gordhan and deputy minister, Mcebisi Jonas.

Home Affairs minister Malusi Gigaba replaces Gordhan, while Member of Parliament (MP) Sifiso Buthelezi has been deployed as the deputy minister of finance.

In the statement, Zuma says: "I have decided to make changes to the national executive in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

"The changes bring some younger MPs and women into the national executive in order to benefit from their energy, experience and expertise."

Hlengiwe Mkhize, who up until the reshuffle was deputy minister in the telecoms department, has been named the new minister of the Department of Home Affairs. Mkhize will be supported by Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, who is the former DOC deputy minister.

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