Dina Pule has been appointed minister of communications by president Jacob Zuma, as part of a larger Cabinet reshuffle.
Pule was the deputy minister of communications under Padayachie's predecessor, Sphiwe Nyanda, between May 2009 and November 2010 - until both she and Nyanda were removed during a reshuffle. Until today's announcement, Pule has been the deputy minister in the presidency for performance monitoring and evaluation.
When Pule initially joined the Department of Communications in 2009, she was a relative unknown, having had no previous association with the ICT industry, and having established herself as a grassroots politician. Pule is recognised for having had a fair amount of administrative and organisational experience.
Pule is a member of the African National Congress' innermost working core, its National Executive Committee, and is considered a “pragmatic leftist” by party members. Pule made a name for herself in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature holding several executive council appointments including that of safety and security and agriculture.
Pule holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and an incomplete Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in communication.
Motives?
The DA's communications shadow minister, Natasha Michael, says although the entire shuffle was a “big surprise”, Pule does have experience in the sector. Padayachie's redeployment, however, is not understandable, as he had been doing an “excellent” job, said Michael.
A stand-off between Parliamentary portfolio committee members during a meeting last week may explain the musical chairs, notes Michael. She says the entire communications committee returned a vote of no confidence in the Universal Service and Access Agency of SA (USAASA) board.
Padayachie reappointed three USAASA board members despite the committee members' wishes, says Michael.
During the meeting, the then ANC whip, Thembisa Stella Ndabeni, told the former minister she was set to become minister, says Michael. Ndabeni has been appointed deputy minister of communications.
Related story:
Nyanda, Pule take reins at communications ministry
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