By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Zweli Mkhize has resigned as health minister on Thursday as President Cyril Ramaphosa was preparing to axe him from cabinet.
This as the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa will announce changes to his executive at 20.30 on Thursday.
Two reliable and well-placed sources said Mkhize submitted his resignation amid mounting evidence against him related to an irregular communication tender with Digital Vibes.
Mkhize’s resignations comes at the eleventh hour, as Ramaphosa called ANC and alliance leaders for a meeting to finalise changes to his executive.
“He spoke to the president and offered his resignation and then sent a letter,” the source said.
Mkhize previously responded to the SIU report implicating him, giving an explanation to Ramaphosa in response to the accusations against him.
He is said to have personally benefitted from the R150 million irregular tender.
Sources believe that Ramaphosa will make changes to his security cluster who many blame for the state’s failure to anticipate the recent violence and looting that came after President Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT ON NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
President Cyril Ramaphosa will make an announcement on changes to the national executive at 20h30 today, Thursday, 5 August 2021.— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) August 5, 2021
Meanwhile ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte earlier said Ramaphosa has not yet approached the ANC’s top six regarding a Cabinet reshuffle.
Briefing the media virtually on Thursday, Duarte said it was still unclear when a date would be set for the possible reshuffle of Ramaphosa’s executive.
“I don’t know what’s in the president’s head. We have not been called. At this point, there’s nothing to share with you. If it happens, you’ll know when we know,” she said.
The president usually consults the ANC’s top leaders and alliance partners before changes are made to his executive.