President Cyril Ramphosa announced significant changes to his Cabinet late last night after his announcement was postponed twice. He failed to honour his commitments to reduce the Departments for now but promised a review of same. What does the new cabinet and the appointments mean for the foreign investors to South Africa?
In a nutshell: this cabinet is a dangerous compromise, which could destabilise Ramaphosa’s integrity at a very early stage. Why? Well, here is the Good, the Bad and the Ugly:
h2. The “GOOD”
h3. Public Enterprises
A huge “Kudos” for this decision, which finally ends the reigns of one of the worst Zuma-Puppets in cabinet, the incompetent and corrupt Lynne Brown, and seeing her replaced with returning *Pravin Gordhan*. There is now hope that instead of supporting the head-heavy managements of the state-owned enterprises (SOE) and to justify billions in rands to subsidised mismanaged and ailing SOEs. We have our hope that SAA will be closed down and sold, the Postal Services downsized to the low level of significance the post plays in today’s world and SABC and ESKOM fiscal regimes made foolproof to prevent any further looting by the “elite”.
h3. Presidency (Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation)
Yet another “appeaser” and most likely the result of nightly deliberations with former president Jacob Z, to give his ex-wife and toughest challenger of Ramaphosa for the offices of ANC and State President *Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma* this portfolio. It is along her lines to meddle in politics, thankfully in an office, which hardly affects the international business community.
h3. Tourism
Welcome back, *Derek Hanekom*, we applaud the reasoning behind his appointment: simple correcting the ill-motivated removal of him by former JZ when he became uncomfortable and questioned policy towards tourism one time too often!
h3. Higher Education
Hopeful candidate for Deputy President, *Naledi Pandor*, is now in the driver seat of Higher Education. This “One-Woman-Army” of educated administrative abilities and keen sense for change to the better had already done wonders in former departments such as Home Affairs or Science and Technology! Now, with thousands of students claiming free education while looting and damaging educational premises, she has a challenge but – thanks to Gigaba – also the means of subsidising higher education. Can’t wait for the policy changes here ….
h3. Energy
Presidential candidate and Minister of the Presidency for the last four years, *Jeff Radebe*, takes the helm at the battered energy department to succeed those Zuma-Puppets, whose only purpose it was to sanction Zuma’s crazy nuclear power dreams, which would have bankrupted the country! Although we remember his controversial position towards nude pictures of employees, surely a man with a plan and hopefully inclined to pull the plug on the White Elephants in Medupi and Kusile in favour of new and modern renewable energies.
h2. The “BAD”
h3. Deputy President
Controversial Mpumalanga Premier and ANC Deputy President *David “DD” Mabuza* will be Deputy President of South Africa, which is not only seen as a missed chance to elevate a female politician to this position. (The bets were on Naledi Pandor, but she did not make it.) Albeit all allegations of corruptions and thuggery (Mmusi Maimane), he was sworn in today as Member of Parliament and can now take over his new position as “2IC” (Second in Charge).
h3. Finance
We cannot see the pleasing response of the international business community as propagated in the media. *Nhlanhla Nene* once succeeded Pravin Gordhan and while not making major mistakes he also failed to set impulses, which are so desperately needed. He is known to be pro debts and social welfare and anti incentives for the corporate sector. Hopefully Standard & Poors will have him for breakfast if does not reverse the hikes in VAT and transport costs.
h3. Transport
Former Communist Party General Secretary *Blade Nzimande* is back after he was axed as the most incompetent Minister of Higher Education ever. As Transport was also one of his former portfolios, he might have been moved back into this department, because his removal was ill-advised at that time? Haha, feeble attempt at a political joke!
h2. The “UGLY”
h3. Mineral Resources
Ramaphosa was clearly honouring his behind-the-curtain deals by appointing the former ANC general Secretary *Gwede Mantashe*. A xenophobic hardliner is now in charge of South Africa’s wealth facing the mega-employers and guarantors of South Africa’s well-being: the mine operators! They must have choked in light of his past and comments, not a good time to be CEO of any of the mines!
h3. Home Affairs
The evil dictator of xenophobic legislation, who handed South Africa over to the Guptas is back: *Malusi Gigaba*, butcher of family travels and Gupta Sycophant once again takes the reigns of our most important ministry, which should guarantee a safe and fair co-existence between all citizens and guests to the country alike. This has its end and we actually do not want to wait and see his first crimes he will commit back in office. Good night South Africa, Good Bye Tourists and Foreign Investors!
h3. International Relations & Cooperation
*Lindiwe Sisulu* did not get axed but returns as Minister for the most tricky and complicated foreign affairs?? Are you kidding me?? At least we do not have to wonder, why – from now on – international business and political delegations will avoid South Africa like the plague! We also do not have to expect to see a lot of her as she proved to be the laziest Minister (of Human Settlements) ever with negligible attendance at parliament sessions or committee meetings in 2017.
h2. OTHER CHANGES
* Communications: Nomvula Mokonyane
* Human Settlements: Nomaindia Mfeketo (promoted from deputy minister)
* Police: Bheki Cele (promoted from deputy minister of DAFF)
* Public Service and Administration: Ayanda Dlodlo (formerly invisible in Home Affairs)
* Public Works: Thulas Nxesi
* Rural Development: Maite Nkoana-Mashabane (Ouch!)
* Science and Technology: Nkhensani Kubayi-Ngubane
* Social Development: Susan Shabangu
* Sport: Thokozile Xasa
* State Security: Dipuo Bertha Letsatsi-Duba (promoted from deputy minister)
* Presidency (Women): Bathabile Dlamini (Double-Ouch!!)
* Water and Sanitation: Gugile Nkwinti (Good Luck, Helen Zille!)