Staff Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa has named ANC economic heavyweight Enoch Godongwana as South Africa’s new Finance Minister, replacing Tito Mboweni who resigned.
The major cabinet reshuffle announced by the president on Thursday evening also saw Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula getting the chop, with Thandi Modise taking over.
Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla has been elevated to the helm of the ministry after the incumbent, Zweli Mkhize, stepped down.
Mkhize had been on special leave for close to two months on allegations that his department irregularly awarded COVID-19-related contracts to a communications company controlled by his former associates.
Another major change is the disbandment of the Ministry of State Security, a portfolio that will now lie in the presidency.
“This evening I’m announcing certain changes to the national executive of our country,” Ramaphosa said as he announced the sweeping cabinet changes during a televised address.
“This comes at a time the country is facing several challenges and we are called upon to undertake several tasks all at once,” he said.
“Firstly, we are working to accelerate our vaccination programme to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Secondly, we are working to ensure there is peace and stability in the wake of recent outbreak violence and destruction in parts of the country.
“Thirdly, we are mobilising all available resources and capabilities to rebuild our economy and provide relief to the most vulnerable.
“I am therefore making changes to the national executive to improve the capacity of government so that it is able to effectively undertake these tasks.
“At the same time there are a number of vacancies that need to be filled . . .”
Ramaphosa, making his first cabinet reshuffle since he was elected into office in 2019, announced that the Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation portfolio has been split, with each getting a separate ministry.
New cabinet appointments announced by the president include:
- Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele
- Communications Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
- Defence Minister Thandi Modise
- Finance Minister Enoch Gondogwana
- Health Minister Joe Paahla
- Human Settlements Minister Mamoloko Kubayi
- Public Service and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo
- Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu
- Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu