South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday announced a major cabinet reshuffle as the country faces disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, reported News 24.
Announcing the reshuffle, Ramaphosa said the cabinet reshuffle comes as part of major changes to the security functions of the national executive in the wake of a sabotage, which led to a week of widespread violence, and looting incidents last month.
As part of the reshuffle, former deputy minister Joe Phaahla is replacing former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize who resigned hours before the South African president was set to fire him after he was embroiled in a corruption scandal. Enoch Gondongwana replaces Tito Mboweni as the Finance Minister. Mondli Gungubele has been tasked with overseeing state security, while Thandi Modise is the new defence and military veterans minister.
Mr. Ramaphosa also announced his decision to do away with the state security ministry altogether- three weeks after the country was rocked by deadly riots, which brought into question the police and intelligence capability. The ministry will now fall under the presidency.
“This is to ensure that the country’s domestic and foreign intelligence services more effectively enable the President to exercise his responsibility to safeguard the security and integrity of the nation,” said Ramaphosa.
Veteran politician Zizi Kodwa has been appointed as a second deputy minister in the presidency, with responsibility for state security. Dr Sydney Mufamadi has been appointed as the national security adviser.
The president’s decision to scrap the state security ministry has been criticized by the main opposition party who say it gives the president too much power over state security and intelligence.
The South African president announced a three-member expert panel to investigate the violence after protests against the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma on contempt of court charges. He also announced that he would appoint an expert panel to review the country’s preparedness for future security responses.
