Godongwana is new minister of finance as Ramaphosa makes sweeping changes to cabinet.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

File Photo.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally reshuffled his Cabinet following weeks of speculation.

In his late-night reshuffle, Ramaphosa said that the changes come as the country faces a number of challenges including the Covid-19 vaccination programme, peace and stability after recent and unrest, and mobilising resources to rebuild the economy.

This is the first reshuffle of Ramaphosa’s presidency since he was elected into office in 2019.

Ramaphosa said that there are also a number of vacancies that need to be filled in the executive after the death of the minister in the presidency, Jackson Mthembu, and the resignation of health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize.

He said that he has also accepted a request from finance minister Tito Mboweni to step down.

Ramaphosa said that Godongwana would take over from Mboweni.

“I am grateful to Mr Mboweni for responding to the call I made to him to serve our nation. Today, I have acceded to his request to leave, and we wish him well in his endeavours — and I am sure he will continue to excel and also be available for certain tasks that he may be given from time to time,” Ramaphosa said.

Mkhize, who had been on special leave since June, had earlier resigned as minister of health following his implication in a Special Investigative Unit (SIU) investigation into an irregular R150 million tender awarded to Digital Vibes by the health department.

The following changes have been made to the executive;

The portfolio of Human Settlement and Water and Sanitation has been split, with each getting a separate ministry.

Another major change is the disbandment of the State Security ministry. This portfolio will now moves in the presidency.

New appointments in the cabinet include;

  • Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele
  • Minister of Communications and Digital Technology Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
  • The Minister of Defence is taken over by Thandi Modise – with Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula getting the chop.
  • Finance Minister is now Enoch Gondogwana
  • Health Minister is Joe Paahla
  • Human Settlement Minister is Mamoloko Kubayi – who previously served as tourism minister.
  • Public Service and Administration Minister is Ayanda Dlodlo
  • Lindiwe Sisulu has been appointed as Minister of Tourism

Ramaphosa also announced that a number of deputy minister appointments had been made:

  • Zizi Kodwa will be deputy minister in the presidency responsible for State Security;
  • Pinky Kekana will come in as a second deputy minister in the presidency;
  • Zoleka Capa will come in as deputy minister of agriculture, rural development and land reform;
  • Philly Mapulane will be the new deputy of communications;
  • Thembi Nkadimeng will be the new deputy of cooperative governance and traditional affairs;
  • Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo is the new deputy minister of health;
  • Dr Nobuhle Nkabane is the new deputy of mineral resources and energy;
  • Dr Chana Pilane-Majake is deputy minister of public service and administration;
  • Mr Sdumo Dlamini is deputy minister of small business development;
  • Sindisiwe Chikunga is the new deputy minister of transport;
  • Dikeledi Magadzi is the new deputy minister of water;
  • Zizi Kodwa is the new deputy minister in the presidency responsible for state security.
    • Water and Sanitation Minister is Senzo Mchunu

The president’s announcement follows weeks of speculation that he would reshuffle his cabinet. He had also stated last week that he was at the cusp of reconfiguring his executive.

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