Home » Cabinet Reshuffle: “Inconceivable” that Dlamini Remains, Same Old, Same Old

Cabinet Reshuffle: “Inconceivable” that Dlamini Remains, Same Old, Same Old

After South African journalists waited over an hour for President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce changes to the National Executive, many were left disappointed that he didn’t make any serious changes… like the one they wanted – to replace Minister of Women in the Presidency Bathabile Dlamini. Radio 702’s Eusebius McKaiser tweeted afterwards: “@CyrilRamaphosa has decided […]

By SAPeople
22-11-18 17:17
in News

After South African journalists waited over an hour for President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce changes to the National Executive, many were left disappointed that he didn’t make any serious changes… like the one they wanted – to replace Minister of Women in the Presidency Bathabile Dlamini.

Radio 702’s Eusebius McKaiser tweeted afterwards: “@CyrilRamaphosa has decided to not fire anyone. Apparently, dear citizens, you deserve the likes of Bathabile Dlamini, and other constitutional delinquents. The #CabinetReshuffle is best understood through the lens of ANC politics, not in terms of *responsive government*.”

Popular opinion is that Ramaphosa wouldn’t want to upset her before the Elections… as she is also leader of the influential Women’s League.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader Mmusi Maimane said this was Ramaphosa’s second missed opportunity in nine months to “fire delinquent Ministers such as Bathabile Dlamini, and Nomvula Mokonyane”.

It was also a missed chance to reduce the size of the “bloated Executive”, said Maimane.

Ramaphosa did merge Telecommunications, Postal Services and Communications into one Ministry – with Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams appointed as the Minister of the combined departments. She was immediately sworn in after Ramaphosa’s announcement.

Outgoing Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services Siyabonga Cwele was appointed Home Affairs Minister (replacing disgraced Malusi Gigaba who recently resigned).

Maimane said: “The DA’s court action to have Dlamini fired is still ongoing. However, today is the extended deadline for the President to file his motion to oppose this application and his failure to fire Dlamini is all the answer that we need.

“Bathabile Dlamini brought the country’s social grants system to the brink of collapse and played Russian roulette with the welfare of 17 million South Africans.

“She is a Zupta deployee who the Constitutional Court said ‘was reckless and grossly negligent’ in her handling of the SASSA grants crisis, and ordered her to pay costs. The Court also found “very strong” evidence that Dlamini gave false testimony, and recommended that the NPA investigate charges of perjury against her.

“It is inconceivable that such a person could hold Executive office in any constitutional democracy. Bathabile Dlamini deserves to be fired, and President Ramaphosa’s failure to do so suggests he endorses her conduct.”

Novula Mokonyane is the new Environmental Affairs Minister replacing the late Edna Molewa who died after a short illness she picked up in China.

Maimane accused her too of being a “Zupta deployee” who destroyed the Water and Sanitation Department with corruption and maladministration.

“Dlamini and Mokonyane’s watch must end and President Ramaphosa failed to end it.

“This Cabinet reshuffle represents no real change. The decks have simply been reshuffled to please ANC insiders.

“Ramaphosa has made it clear that he is the President of the ANC before he is the President of the Republic,” said Maimane.