
<p>By Louw Nel – Political Analyst</p>



<p>Divisions within the ruling Jubilee Party have seemingly given way to an all-out battle for control with the realignment of the party and the purging of senior officials.</p>



<p>A coalition deal has been formalised between Jubilee and the once-powerful Kenya African National Union (Kanu) – they notified the Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, on May 4.</p>



<p>An agreement was entered into prior to the 2017 elections but was never formalised.</p>



<p>However, several senior Jubilee members have lodged a dispute with the registrar, saying that Secretary General Raphael Tuju and acting Chairperson Nelson Dzuya do not have the authority to engage Jubilee, as the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) never passed a resolution on the matter. The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) is expected to consider the matter on Thursday, May 21.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, President Uhuru Kenyatta has seemingly set about purging Jubilee of members aligned to his deputy, William Ruto: both Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen and Majority Whip Susan Kihika were removed on May 11. Mr Murkomen and Ms Kihika have both been outspoken public critics of the president.</p>



<p>In addition, five nominated senators aligned to Mr Ruto’s so-called Tangatanga faction appeared before a party disciplinary committee on Wednesday, May 20, over their failure to attend the parliamentary group meeting at State House on May 11.</p>



<p>According to reports, several chairs of senate committees are also expected to be replaced imminently and a Cabinet reshuffle is under discussion as Mr Kenyatta’s Kieleweke faction seizes the initiative.</p>



<p>More background to the development is Mr Kenyatta’s rapprochement with Raila Odinga, leader of the main opposition, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Messrs Kenyatta and Odinga have joined forces in promoting the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), with Mr Odinga championing calls for a referendum on the BBI’s final recommendations.</p>



<p>Mr Ruto’s attitude to the BBI has oscillated between ambivalence and hostility, notably to its recommended creation of a prime minister position.</p>



<p>It is increasingly clear that the relationship between Messrs Kenyatta and Ruto has broken down irretrievably, and that the battle over Jubilee is set to grow acrimonious as opposition to the latter’s 2022 succession bid grows.</p>



<p>Many shots have been fired in recent months, including calls by Jubilee and opposition MPs for Mr Ruto to resign on March 11 and Mr Ruto’s social media tirade against the “fraudulent changes” to Jubilee’s NEC by “political rejects, conmen &amp; fraudsters” in early April.</p>



<p>The coalition agreement between Jubilee and Kanu is certain to antagonise Mr Ruto, as his adversarial relationship with Kanu leader and fellow Kalenjin, Gideon Moi, is well documented.</p>



<p>The possibility of the ODM or the Wiper Democratic Movement – Kenya (WDM – K) entering into coalition talks with Jubilee-Kanu cannot be dismissed, especially as Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, stated on May 11 that his party was exploring the possibility despite being a member of the National Super Alliance (Nasa) alongside the ODM.</p>



<p>The dissolution/reconstitution of Jubilee does not necessarily portend political instability in Kenya, as parties are generally viewed as election vehicles rather than institutions in their own right.</p>



<p>Indeed, political development and democratic consolidation in the country are held back by the absence of durable political parties that are based on principles rather than ethnic ‘big men’ or election strategies.</p>



<p>Recent developments seem to suggest that this isn’t about to change.</p>


Op-Ed: Jubilee, Kanu formalise coalition as internal battles rage in Kenya

<div style="max-width: 700px;"><video-js data-account="1571595826001" data-player="default" data-embed="default" controls="" data-video-id="6122812120001" data-playlist-id="" data-application-id="" class="vjs-fluid"></video-js></div>
<p><script src="https://players.brightcove.net/1571595826001/default_default/index.min.js"></script></p>
<p>It&#8217;s only Wednesday but this week Kenya has already seen quite a few big headlines, from yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle, to the preparation of a bailout for the country&#8217;s national carrier, to a new tax on milk from neighbouring countries. Journalist, Joseph Bonyo joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


Why Kenya’s recent cabinet reshuffle is a boost for economy

<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 730px;">
<div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;" src="//players.brightcove.net/1571595826001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5852768153001" allowfullscreen="" border=0 frameborder=0></iframe></div>
</div>
<p>Following a cabinet reshuffle last week, new ministers in Rwandan government are officially taking charge. CNBC Africa’s Steven Muvunyi caught up with Soraya Hakuziyaremye, who has assumed office as new Minister of Trade and Industry.</p>


Rwanda’s new trade and industry minister shares her priorities

<p>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yohannes-gedamu-432503">Yohannes Gedamu</a>, <em><a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/georgia-gwinnett-college-2416">Georgia Gwinnett College</a></em></p>
<p>Ethiopia’s ruling coalition has <a href="https://ethsat.com/2018/10/ethiopia-re-elected-as-chairman-of-ruling-party-abiy-ahmed-garners-vote-of-confidence-to-continue-reforms/">re-elected Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as its chairman</a>. This means that Ahmed will continue as prime minister until the next party congress. It is with this certainty that he has taken the opportunity to <a href="https://www.apnews.com/93bc411f2c68438db25b31b3d68943ef">reassemble his cabinet</a> for the second time this year.</p>
<p>The latest reshuffle has downsized cabinet departments from 28 to 20. Ten of the new ministerial appointments are women, meaning that Ahmed has <a href="http://www.africanews.com/2018/10/16/female-appointees-form-half-of-ethiopia-s-new-cabinet-reports//">achieved a 50% gender balance</a> in his new team.</p>
<p>This is a significant milestone. But perhaps of more importance is the creation of a ministry of peace. Ahmed has made it clear that peace is central to his reforms agenda. The new peace ministry is therefore an effort to ensure that this agenda remains on course. The question is: how effective can it be in the long run?</p>
<h2>National security</h2>
<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/fitsumaregaa/status/1052477095518064640">new peace ministry will oversee</a> intelligence and security related agencies, federal affairs, immigration and others. It has been created with the hope that it will improve ethnic relations in the country, and work towards reconciliation among communities <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-ethnic-violence-is-destabilising-ethiopias-reform-gains-103928">ravaged by unprecedented levels of ethnic violence</a> over the last two decades.</p>
<p>This is a broad mandate, which one single ministry might not be able to achieve. Ahmed’s intent, nonetheless, is to show his administration’s desire to pursue a peace agenda with the view to building a stable and more tolerant nation state.</p>
<p>But his ‘peace ministry’ approach might prove problematic.</p>
<p>Firstly, it will need to recognise the root causes of ethnic tension in Ethiopia. So far, Ahmed’s administration has continued to prioritise ethnic politics and the furthering of the rights of groups over the rights of individual citizens. This approach has historically pitted ethnic groups against each other, often resulting in inter-ethnic violence.</p>
<p>Secondly, the power structure in Ethiopia has not changed. The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front remains the <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/ethiopia-abiy-ahmed-survival-ruling-eprdf-180528082306152.html">most powerful political force</a> in the country. If Ahmed wants to transform Ethiopia, he must also take strides to create democratic change within the coalition. The front must embrace internal, ideological reforms for peace and security to be achieved in Ethiopia at large.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17531055.2011.642522">Revolutionary democracy</a>, or the idea that the enlightened élites should lead the unconscious masses to the revolution, has been the ruling coalition’s main political and economic ideology. In Ethiopia, it has prioritised the party agenda over the sanctity of the country’s constitution, which is also problematic. If the coalition refuses to expand its democratic space, Ethiopia’s history of exclusion and oppression may continue uninterrupted.</p>
<h2>Peace priorities</h2>
<p>The creation of a ministry to work exclusively on peace and security matters is admirable. However, Ahmed’s administration must also attempt to reform the country’s ethnic federal system of government, which is built around regional administrations.</p>
<p>Disparities between these administrative regions pose serious challenges to Ethiopian unity. Some regions like Oromia, Amhara, Tigray and the south are considered developed. While others, like Gambella, Benishangul Gumuz, Somali and far flung regions, are still developing. This economic inequity has precipitated ethnic competition, a race for resources and evictions of people from certain areas.</p>
<p>The ruling coalition must also look beyond the demands of survivalist politics. Ahmed and his peers in leadership therefore need to focus on legacy, rather than short-term gains.</p>
<p>An important legacy would be the peaceful co-existence of ethnic groups, and the re-imagining of Ethiopian nationalism. This can be achieved by encouraging citizens to participate in politics, not by constraining their rights to associate freely. Thus, if Ahmed’s administration maintains a clear focus on the rights of every Ethiopian, it could end up being one of the most consequential political administrations in Ethiopia’s modern political era.</p>
<p>All eyes are now trained on the new peace ministry, <a href="http://www.africanews.com/2018/10/17/muferiat-kamil-ethiopia-s-historic-speaker-now-first-peace-minister//">headed by Muferiyat Kamil</a>. The former speaker of the house has a hefty job on her hands, given the high expectations that have been placed on her ministry. She is privileged, however, to have a self-professed reformist as an ally at the helm of government.</p>
<p>The creation of the ministry <a href="https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/ethiopias-ambitious-leader-reaches-stars?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=article">has been lauded</a> but it has also been criticised for concentrating political power in Kamil’s hands. She is one of Ahmed’s most loyal allies in the ruling coalition.</p>
<h2>A time for reform</h2>
<p>Since Ahmed <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/abiye-ahmed-sworn-ethiopia-prime-minister-180402082621161.html">became prime minister</a> he has taken great strides to transform Ethiopia’s politics.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2018/07/17/how-ethiopia-and-eritrea-made-peace">historic peace agreement</a> signed with Eritrea has also had a transformational effect on the greater East Africa region. Regional peace discussions are slowly being replaced with <a href="https://qz.com/africa/1398502/ethiopia-eritrea-somalia-djibouti-peace-deals-bring-hope-to-horn-of-africa/">talks of economic integration</a>.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Ahmed’s reform agenda has been threatened by <a href="https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-12-15/hundreds-thousands-displaced-ethiopians-are-caught-between-ethnic-violence-and">flurries of ethnic conflict</a> in his own backyard. Hundreds of thousands of poeple have been evicted from their homes <a href="https://theconversation.com/persecution-of-ethnic-amharas-will-harm-ethiopias-reform-agenda-98201">because of their ethnicity</a>. Going forward, this could challenge the stability of the Ethiopian state.</p>
<p>Moreover, questions are beginning to arise about Ahmed’s sincerity and commitment to genuine political change. When <a href="https://ethsat.com/2018/09/ethiopia-at-least-25-killed-in-burayu-in-ethnic-attacks-police-killed-5-in-addis-ababa/">25 people were killed</a> in Addis Ababa a few weeks ago, the city’s youth staged demonstrations to call for better security. The government responded with undue force; <a href="http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/Scores-killed-and-others-arrested-after-Addis-clashes/4552908-4775844-9jd60az/index.html">scores were killed</a> and thousands stayed in unlawful detention for over a month.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.africanews.com/2018/10/18/ethiopia-to-free-over-1000-youth-detained-over-sept-violence/">After their release</a> some of those who spoke up for them were arrested by the security forces. Among those arrested was <a href="http://www.africanews.com/2018/10/18/ethiopia-activists-knock-police-over-arrest-of-top-rights-lawyer/">Henok Aklilu</a>, a young lawyer and human rights defender. International organisations like Amnesty International <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/10/ethiopia-release-immediately-and-unconditionally-human-rights-defender-arrested-for-exercising-freedom-of-expression/">demanded and successfully secured his release</a> but others remain in detention. Amnesty released a statement saying that his arrest</p>
<blockquote><p>… highlights the difficulties human rights defenders continue to face despite the Ethiopian government’s stated commitment to open up space for dissenting voices.</p></blockquote>
<p>It’s safe to say that Ahmed’s push for political change is now under scrutiny. He must regroup with haste and address the injustices that have been meted out by the state infrastructure for decades.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/105231/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yohannes-gedamu-432503">Yohannes Gedamu</a>, Lecturer of Political Science, <em><a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/georgia-gwinnett-college-2416">Georgia Gwinnett College</a></em></p>
<p>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-ethiopias-new-cabinet-fits-into-ahmeds-reform-agenda-105231">original article</a>.</p>

Here’s how Ethiopia’s new cabinet aligns with Prime Minister’s reform plans

<p>KIGALI (Reuters) &#8211; Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame appointed new ministers of defence and foreign affairs in a cabinet reshuffle announced late on Thursday.</p>
<p>Albert Murasira, an army general, replaced long-serving James Kabarebe as defence minister, the president’s office said, without giving a reason for the decision.</p>
<p>Richard Sezibera, a former secretary general of the East African Community regional bloc, became foreign minister, replacing Louise Mushikiwabo, who was named head of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) last week.</p>
<p>The president also named new ministers for local government, trade and industry, ICT and innovation, gender and family promotion, and sports and culture, as well as a new police chief and an external security head.</p>
<p>Reporting by Clement Uwiringiyimana; Editing by Andrew Heavens</p>


Rwanda’s Kagame reshuffles cabinet, appoints new ministers of defence and foreign affairs

<p>NAIROBI (Reuters) &#8211; Tanzanian President John Magufuli has reshuffled his cabinet and will swear in three new ministers on Monday, his office said, in a shake-up that included the sacking of the home affairs minister.</p>
<p>Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who had led the home affairs portfolio that includes police and domestic security, was replaced by Kangi Lugola, who had been deputy environment minister.</p>
<p>Sunday’s cabinet reshuffle also saw new ministers in charge of water and infrastructure appointed.</p>
<p>The statement did not give reasons for the change.</p>
<p>Magufuli also added an additional deputy minister at the ministry of agriculture, appointing Omary Tebwete Mgumba to the role.</p>
<p>“Because of the importance of the agriculture sector, President Magufuli has decided to add strength to those that are in charge of the sector,” the statement said.</p>
<p>Magufuli, nicknamed ‘The Bulldozer’ for his forceful leadership style, has introduced anti-corruption measures and tough economic reforms since taking office in November 2015, including cuts to government spending and overhauling the fiscal and regulatory regime of the mining sector in Africa’s fourth-largest gold producer.</p>
<p>Critics say his cost-cutting measures and policy changes are excessive and undermine growth by stifling foreign investment in critical sectors such as mining.</p>
<p>Last month, the finance minister forecast economic growth to increase to 7.2 percent in the year from 7.1 percent in 2017. [L8N1TG51A]</p>
<p>Reporting by Omar Mohammed; Editing by Maggie Fick and Toby Chopra</p>


Tanzania’s Magufuli reshuffles cabinet, here’s a look at who stays and who goes

<p><em>Khaya Buthelezi</em> | <em>FleishmanHillard</em></p>
<p>There is something deep and profound about the month of February in South Africa. Former President FW De Klerk announced the release of our liberation struggle icon, Nelson Mandela on 2 February, and Mandela walked out of the Victor Venster Prison in Paarl after 27 years of incarceration on 11 February 1990.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-21712 size-full" src="http://cnbc.africa/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mandela3_final.jpg" alt="He left me with a sense of wonder" width="522" height="350" /></p>
<p>Fast forward to the democratic SA, and February 2018 could easily be dubbed as the month of love, and daggers. The nation fell head over heels in love with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa while at the same time, the ANC NEC had their daggers out for now former President Jacob Zuma, forcing him to resign on Valentine’s Day.</p>
<p>And true to JZ’s style, he announced his resignation just before midnight – messing up the Valentine night for millions of couples in the country.</p>
<p>With the new sheriff in town in President Cyril Ramaphosa, we’ve seen a cabinet reshuffle, and the Budget Speech sure sent a message to the country that action is being taken.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_299284" style="width: 860px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-299284" class="wp-image-299284 size-full" src="http://cnbc.africa/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Cyril-Ramaphosa_SONA2018_GettyImages.png" alt="" width="850" height="566" /><p id="caption-attachment-299284" class="wp-caption-text">South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, delivers his first State of The Nation Address. Image: Getty Images</p></div></p>
<p>In a speech littered with lines from US rapper Kedrick Lamar, Tanzanian liberation struggle icon Julius Nyerere and lots of love for the late Nelson Mandela, a balance was struck between protecting the integrity of public finances, maintaining fiscal discipline and increasing the social wage.</p>
<p>The “Fees Must Fall” movement must be celebrating with the fee-free education for first year students from households with a combined income of R350 000 receiving R57bn over the next three years, of which R12.4bn will go towards needy first year students in 2018.</p>
<p>Civil society organisations are not happy though with the one percentage increase of the VAT from 14% to 15% &#8211; a first since 1993. This is viewed as plunging a dagger in the hearts of the poor who are already struggling to make ends meet.</p>
<p>National Treasury says the poor have been cushioned with most basic food stuffs such as maize meal, brown bread, beans and rice, having been VAT zero-rated. But this was completely unexpected given the political implications of increasing VAT, especially with the 2019 general elections around the corner.</p>
<p>The 17 million grant recipients were showed some serious love in February – receiving a whopping 6.6% above inflation increase from R380 to R400 as from 01 April and another R10 on 01 October. Our grannies and grandpas will receive a R90 increase from R1600 to R1690 on 1 October and a further R10 on 1 October &#8211; a total of R259.4bn in social spending.</p>
<p>Back to the cabinet reshuffle, Nhlanhla Nene, Pravin Gordhan and Bheki Cele after being rejected by Zuma in an inexplicable love tiff, got their ‘love back’ a hundredfold over as Finance Minister, Public Enterprises Minister and Police Minister, respectively. This move has been cheered by the markets. On the other hand, the retention of Malusi Gigaba, Bathabile Dlamini and Nomvula Nonkonyane in the name of ANC unity has been bemoaned by many pundits.</p>
<p>February has been a rollercoaster ride, and there is no doubt that the rest of the year will be challenging as different parts of society react to what has happened. With the general elections on the 2019 horizon, turbulent times lie ahead but hope is in the air.</p>
<p>With SA scoring a paltry 55.1 points (weak and vulnerable) on the Reputation Institute 2017 Reputation Index, a window of opportunity has been opened for corporate SA to leverage off the current spirit of optimism and hope to build reputation capital for organisations and broader country.</p>


February in South Africa – A month of love, and daggers

<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 730px;">
<div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe loading="lazy" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;" src="//players.brightcove.net/1571595826001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5741313205001" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
</div>
<p>There was no hint of the drama to come when the African National Congress recalled South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma. This is what unfolded in the 12 days since.</p>


This is what unfolded in the 12 days since

<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 730px;">
<div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;" src="//players.brightcove.net/1571595826001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5741266131001" allowfullscreen="" border=0 frameborder=0></iframe></div>
</div>
<p>Deon Gouws, Chief Investment Officer at Credo Wealth discusses its view of South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Monday night Cabinet reshuffle.</p>


How this multi-billion dollar overseas wealth manager is viewing SA’s #Cabinetreshuffle

<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 730px;">
<div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;" src="//players.brightcove.net/1571595826001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5741238845001" allowfullscreen="" border=0 frameborder=0></iframe></div>
</div>
<p>On Monday evening South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffled his Cabinet replacing Malusi Gigaba as finance minister with former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene who was ousted by then President Zuma.</p>


Why SA’s former Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba had to go – Economist Payi

<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 730px;">
<div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;" src="//players.brightcove.net/1571595826001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5741250243001" allowfullscreen="" border=0 frameborder=0></iframe></div>
</div>
<p>On Monday evening South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffled his Cabinet. Yongama Zigebe, Secretary of UDM Vanguard GP discusses what the reshuffle means for youth.</p>


SA President Ramaphosa’s Cabinet reshuffle suggests there’s no place for youth leaders – UDM

<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 730px;">
<div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;" src="//players.brightcove.net/1571595826001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5741241170001" allowfullscreen="" border=0 frameborder=0></iframe></div>
</div>
<p>On Monday evening South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffled his Cabinet ousting razzmatazz &#8211; Fikile Mbalula. Yongama Zigebe, Secretary of UDM Vanguard GP discusses how Mbalula will be remembered.</p>


How former SA Minister Fikile Mbalula will be remembered

<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 730px;">
<div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;" src="//players.brightcove.net/1571595826001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5741242944001" allowfullscreen="" border=0 frameborder=0></iframe></div>
</div>
<p>Cas Coovadia, MD of the Banking Association South Africa shares his views on President Ramaphosa’s newly constituted cabinet.</p>


BASA MD Coovadia: It is not in the interests of SA for the ANC to implode

<p>South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffled his cabinet on Monday after coming to power two weeks ago when scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma resigned under pressure from the ruling African National Congress.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-295161 size-full" src="http://cnbc.africa/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ANC54_NDZ_CR_GettyImages-RZ1.png" alt="" width="850" height="549" /></p>
<p class="">Below are details of some key ministers:</p>
<p class=""><strong>NHLANHLA NENE &#8211; FINANCE MINISTER</strong></p>
<p class="">Nhlanhla Nene served as finance minister from May 2014 until December 2015, when Zuma fired him and replaced him with unknown parliamentary backbencher Des van Rooyen.</p>
<p class="">A collapse in the rand currency forced Zuma to sack van Rooyen and reappoint a previous finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, just four days later.</p>
<p class="">Nene, a veteran civil servant who was keen to rein in government spending, had been reluctant to rubber-stamp an ambitious plan to build a number of nuclear power stations, a project that might cost as much as $100 billion and one which Ramaphosa has frankly said South African cannot afford.</p>
<p class="">Nene has since taken up roles in the private sector including as a board member at fund manager Allan Gray, resident advisor at investment firm Thebe Investment Corporation and as acting head of a business school in Johannesburg.</p>
<p class=""><strong>DAVID MABUZA &#8211; DEPUTY PRESIDENT</strong></p>
<p class="">ANC deputy president David Mabuza is the new Deputy President of South Africa and premier of Mpumalanga province. He has not served as a cabinet minister before.</p>
<p class="">Mabuza was an ally of Zuma and was accused of involvement in corruption in awarding tenders. He has denied any wrongdoing.</p>
<p class="">Mabuza’s influence in Mpumalanga will be significant for Ramaphosa and the ANC in next year’s parliamentary election.</p>
<p class=""><strong>PRAVIN GORDHAN &#8211; PUBLIC ENTERPRISES MINISTER</strong></p>
<p class="">A popular figure with investors, Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017.</p>
<p class="">Gordhan has been a critic of the corruption that dogged Zuma’s term and there will be high expectations for him to clean up state-owned firms. His combative style can be divisive.</p>
<p class=""><strong>NKOSAZANA DLAMINI-ZUMA &#8211; MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY</strong></p>
<p class="">The former minister and chairwoman of the African Union Commission narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in an ANC leadership election in December and she would have hoped to be naming her own cabinet at this stage.</p>
<p class="">Dlamini-Zuma was married to former president Zuma for over a decade and has four children with him.</p>
<p class=""><strong>LINDIWE SISULU &#8211; FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER</strong></p>
<p class="">Sisulu initially ran against Ramaphosa in the ANC leadership race last year but later withdrew, choosing to pursue the deputy position, which she lost to David Mabuza.</p>
<p class="">Most recently serving as human settlements minister, Sisulu is the daughter of anti-apartheid activist Walter Sisulu, a close friend of Nelson Mandela.</p>
<p class="">While in exile during apartheid, Sisulu joined the military wing of the ANC, working in intelligence.</p>
<p class=""><strong>GWEDE MANTASHE &#8211; MINERALS RESOURCES MINISTER</strong></p>
<p class="">Trade unionist Mantashe, 62, is currently the national chairperson of the ANC and former secretary-general of the party &#8212; a position he held for 10 years.</p>
<p class="">The shrewd party strategist was the first trade unionist appointed to the board of directors of a company listed on Johannesburg’s stock exchange.</p>
<p class=""><strong>JEFF RADEBE &#8211; ENERGY MINISTER</strong></p>
<p class="">Radebe is one of the longest-serving ministers in post-apartheid South Africa, having held several senior cabinet positions in including as minister of public enterprises, justice and transport.</p>
<p class="">He served in underground structures of the ANC during white minority rule and was imprisoned on Robben Island, where the apartheid government kept political prisoners.</p>
<p class=""><strong>MALUSI GIGABA &#8211; HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER</strong></p>
<p class="">Gigaba returns to the home affairs ministry after having served as finance minister since being appointed by Zuma in March. He delivered the budget last week.</p>
<p class="">Gigaba has previously served as Minister of Public Enterprises.</p>
<p class="">A South African court found last year that Gigaba had violated the constitution by lying about a dispute with a company during his time at home affairs. Gigaba has said he will challenge the ruling. [L8N1QB5BV]</p>
<p class=""><strong>ZWELI MKHIZE &#8211; COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS MINISTER</strong></p>
<p class="">The ANC’s former treasurer general was an outsider in the party’s leadership race won by Ramaphosa in December.</p>
<p class="">A medical doctor by training, Mkhize also served as a party boss in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province, from where Zuma and Dlamini-Zuma hail. Ramaphosa will be relying on Mkhize to reconcile opposing factions in the ANC, analysts say.</p>
<p class=""><strong>NALEDI PANDOR &#8211; HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING MINISTER</strong></p>
<p class="">A former teacher and veteran minister, Pandor comes from a long line of political activists in Kwa-Zulu Natal, a key province for the ANC and one where Ramaphosa needs allies.</p>
<p class="">Largely praised for her personal integrity, Pandor has criticised ANC politicians for their lavish lifestyles.</p>
<p class=""><strong>DEREK HANEKOM &#8211; TOURISM MINISTER</strong></p>
<p class="">A white Afrikaner, Hanekom has served as a minister under every president since the end of white-minority rule, including as minister of land under Nelson Mandela.</p>
<p class="">Hanekom was one of the most vocal critics of Zuma and was sacked as tourism minister last year after publicly calling for his removal.</p>
<div class="Attribution_container_28wm1">
<div class="Attribution_attribution_o4ojT">
<p class="Attribution_content_27_rw">Compiled by Tiisetso Motsoeneng and Joe Brock; Editing by James Macharia and Catherine Evans</p>
</div>
</div>


Key figures in S.African President Ramaphosa’s first cabinet

<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 730px;">
<div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;" src="//players.brightcove.net/1571595826001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5741206660001" allowfullscreen="" border=0 frameborder=0></iframe></div>
</div>
<p>Vusi Thembekwayo, CEO of  My Growth Fund discusses South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet reshuffle and what it means for small businesses. </p>


SA President Ramaphosa’s Cabinet reshuffle shows our priorities – Vusi Thembekwayo

<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RMqiYsLiHmc" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>President Cyril Ramaphosa fired 10 ministers last night in the cabinet reshuffle that’s the talk of Africa this morning. It saw a restructured and workmanlike cabinet with a more than a few old faces. CNBC Africa’s head of programming Chris Bishop looks through some of the highlights.</p>


Explainer: What you need to know about SA President Cyril Ramaphosa’s new Cabinet

<p>South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa&#8217;s widely anticipated Cabinet reshuffle took place at 10pm CAT this evening  &#8211; it was delayed for 1 hour and 30 minutes. South Africa&#8217;s</p>
<p>In his announcement he said:</p>
<p>I have decided to make certain changes in the composition of the National Executive.</p>
<p>These changes are intended to ensure that national government is better equipped to implement the mandate of this administration and specifically the tasks identified in the State of the Nation Address.</p>
<p>In making these changes, I have been conscious of the need to balance continuity and stability with the need for renewal, economic recovery and accelerated transformation.</p>
<p>As indicated in the State of the Nation Address, we have begun a review of the configuration, size and number of national Ministries and Departments.</p>
<p>We will retain the existing Ministries and Departments until that review is completed.</p>
<p>With respect to Ministers, I have decided to make the following changes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Communications: Ms Nomvula Mokonyane</li>
<li>Energy: Mr Jeff Radebe</li>
<li>Higher Education and Training: Ms Naledi Pandor</li>
<li>Home Affairs: Mr Malusi Gigaba</li>
<li>Human Settlements: Ms Nomaindia Mfeketo</li>
<li>International Relations and Cooperation: Ms Lindiwe Sisulu</li>
<li>Mineral Resources: Mr Gwede Mantashe</li>
<li>Police: Mr Bheki Cele</li>
<li>Public Enterprises: Mr Pravin Gordhan</li>
<li>Public Service and Administration: Ms Ayanda Dlodlo</li>
<li>Public Works: Mr Thulas Nxesi</li>
<li>Rural Development and Land Reform: Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane</li>
<li>Science and Technology: Ms Nkhensani Kubayi-Ngubane</li>
<li>Social Development: Ms Susan Shabangu</li>
<li>Sport and Recreation: Ms Tokozile Xasa</li>
<li>State Security: Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba</li>
<li>The Presidency: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma</li>
<li>The Presidency: Women: Ms Bathabile Dlamini</li>
<li>Tourism: Mr Derek Hanekom</li>
<li>Transport: Dr Blade Nzimande</li>
<li>Water and Sanitation: Mr Gugile Nkwinti</li>
</ul>
<p>With respect to Deputy Ministers, I have made the following changes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Mr Sfiso Buthelezi</li>
<li>Communications: Ms Pinky Kekana</li>
<li>Finance: Mr Mondli Gungubele</li>
<li>Public Service and Administration: Dr Chana Pilane-Majeke</li>
<li>Small Business Development: Mr Cassel Mathale</li>
</ul>
<p>The positions of Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises and Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation will remain vacant.</p>
<p>Pending the completion of their swearing-in as Members of the National Assembly, I intend to further appoint:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mr David Mabuza as the Deputy President of the Republic</li>
<li>Dr Zweli Mkhize as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs</li>
<li>Mr Nhlanhla Nene as Minister of Finance</li>
<li>Ms Reginah Mhaule as Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation</li>
</ul>
<p>The new Ministers and Deputy Ministers will be sworn in in Cape Town tomorrow.</p>
<p>I wish to express my appreciation to all outgoing Ministers and Deputy Ministers for their service to government and to the people of South Africa.</p>
<p>I thank you for your attention.</p>
<p>Good evening.</p>


cabinet reshuffle