What’s really behind Mabuza’s return to Parliament?

Charles Molele

ANC Deputy President David Mabuza was sworn in on Tuesday at the Sefako Makgatho presidential guest house in Pretoria, ending days of speculation on who will be South Africa’s number two.

Mabuza’s swearing-in was presided over by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, and attended by National Assembly Speaker, Thandi Modise, and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mabuza’s decision to postpone his swearing-in in Parliament last week sent shock waves within and outside the governing party.

The postponement also derailed the announcement of the new Cabinet, which, according to tradition, was supposed to have happened a day or thereabout after the inauguration; the Constitution allows the president to appoint his Cabinet within five days after his inauguration.

Ramaphosa is expected to announce his Cabinet on Wednesday or sometime later in the week.

A senior ANC leader said on Tuesday the top six officials were taken aback when Mabuza informed them about