South African president reshuffles cabinet again

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South African President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday announced another cabinet reshuffle, dropping a critical minister and changing several others to different portfolios.

According to a statement from the presidency, Higher Education Minister and South African Communist Party (SACP) Secretary-General Blade Nzimande has been removed from his position.

Nzimande, whose party is one of the coalition partners of Zuma’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), has been critical of the president, calling for his resignation.

Former Home Affairs Minister Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize replaces the SACP leader.

Former Deputy Education Minister Mduduzi Manana‚ who resigned this year after assaulting a woman at a Johannesburg nightclub, has been replaced by Buti Manamela‚ a former deputy minister in the presidency.

Ayanda Dlodlo, who headed the communication ministry, takes over the Home Affairs portfolio and former Security Minister David Mahlobo, moves to energy. Advocate Bongani Thomas Bongo is now the new Minister of State Security and Mmamaloko Kubayi is the new Minister of Communications.

“I thank the former members of the National Executive for good service in their previous portfolios.” Zuma said. He also wished the new members all the best in their new ministries.

This is Zuma’s second cabinet reshuffle this year. In March, he fired respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan and several others, leading to a fall in the country’s currency.

The rand fell on Tuesday by more than 0.5 percent minutes after Zuma’s announcement. The currency -- which was trading at 13.29 rand to the U.S. dollar on Tuesday morning -- moved to 13.39 after news of the reshuffle.