Few Aces as President Zuma re-shuffles the deck

Gareth Stokes, FAnews Online Editor

President Jacob Zuma’s 9 May 2009 inauguration speech struck a conciliatory note. “Today, as I take this solemn Oath of Office as the Fourth President of the Republic of South Africa, I do so deeply conscious of the responsibilities that you, the people of our country are entrusting in me. I commit myself to the service of our nation with dedication, commitment, discipline, integrity, hard work and passion,” he said. He also thanked those who had paved the way for the country’s fourth democratic elections, giving special mention to former Presidents Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and FW de Klerk.

Acknowledging the more than 11 million supporters who returned the African National Congress to power, Zuma said “the dreams and hopes of all the people” of South Africa had to be fulfilled. And to deliver this promise, Zuma noted that the executive would have to be held to account: “There is no place for complacency, no place for cynicism [and] no place for excuses!” We’re sure every citizen shares the sentiment expressed by one iafrica.com reader, who responded: Great speech Mr President, “now walk the talk!”

The opposition remains unimpressed

Zuma’s first test came just 24 hours after his inauguration with the announcement of his Cabinet. Although Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Ngconde Balfour, Mandisi Mpahlwa and Charles Nqakula lost their posts, those who expected a thorough purge were disappointed. Instead of getting rid of ministers whose departments had underperformed for five, ten or even 15 years, Zuma opted for a complex reshuffle. Political commentators are asking plenty of questions.

Why was Naledi Pandor shifted to the Science and Technology post if she wasn’t good enough for one of the two education positions? Instead Angie Motshekga got the nod as Minister of Basic Education while Blade Nzimande entered Cabinet as Minister of Higher Education. Why was Barbara Hogan – recently appointed by the so-called Zuma camp as Minister of Health – shifted to the Public Enterprises portfolio after only six months? And why was Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who presided over an absolute farce as Minister of Home Affairs, moved to Correctional Services?

Leader of the Democratic Alliance, Helen Zille wasted no time in having a go at some of the appointees. She said despite his pre-election promises to focus on competence and accountability Zuma had reappointed several “serial under-performers.” Zille also condemned the decision to increase the Cabinet to 34 ministers (from 28), claiming that positions were “created more to solve the ANC’s internal political problems at taxpayers’ expense, than to add value to service delivery.” The opposition also expressed concern about the role of the National Planning Commission – particularly its inclusion in the Presidency – and how it would impact on the three spheres of government. But the most talked about Cabinet post was undoubtedly that of Minister of Finance.

An economic policy melting pot

Zuma appointed outgoing SARS Commissioner Pravin Gordhan to the Finance Ministry. Outgoing Finance Minister, Trevor Manuel, who presented the country’s budget a record 13 times, was deployed as first Minister in the Presidency, head of the National Planning Commission. The test in coming months will be how the various economic clusters work together. Investors will want clarity on how the newly created Ministry of Economic Development – headed by former trade unionist Ebrahim Patel – and the Ministry of Finance will work together. National Treasury’s economic planning powers have been stripped and handed to the newly created ministry. “We hope that these appointments do not herald a departure from sound macro-economic policy-making and implementation, and that there will not be a radical overhaul of economic policy, simply to appease Cosatu and the SA Communist Party,” said Zille.

There were some big surprises. The first was the appointment of businessman Tokyo Sexwale to the position of Minister of Human Settlements. This portfolio replaces the former Housing Ministry. And the second, the appointment of Freedom Front Plus leader Dr Pieter Mulder as Deputy Minister of Agriculture. We’re sure South Africans will watch with interest how Sexwale balances his business interests with a public sector job, and how the often critical Mulder settles in his new role.

Editor’s thoughts:
It will take time before we can assess the job being done by Zuma’s newly appointed Cabinet. We can only hope that in the next five years these incumbents deliver on the “excellence and achievement” Zuma demands. Do you think Pravin Gordhan is the right choice for the critical Finance Ministry role? Add your comments below, or send them to gareth@fanews.co.za