South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a reshuffle of his Cabinet late on Tuesday, making notable changes to key ministerial positions just half a year after forming his current administration.
“To enhance the Cabinet’s ability to deliver on its mandate, I have decided to implement the following adjustments to the national executive,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
Thembi Nkadimeng, who had been serving as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, has been reassigned to the position of Minister of Human Settlements. This move comes amidst controversy, as Nkadimeng faces allegations of accepting a loan worth 575,000 rand ($31,741) from a company linked to corruption during the collapse of the VBS mutual bank in 2018. The bank’s downfall left many retirees without their life savings. Nkadimeng has firmly denied any involvement in wrongdoing.
Mmamoloko Tryphosa Kubayi, the outgoing Minister of Human Settlements, has been appointed as the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, taking over from Nkadimeng.
Additionally, Phumzile Mgcina has been elevated from her role as Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour to the post of Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, has now been reassigned as Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour.
The president emphasized that these changes are effective immediately and are aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the government’s leadership.