PHUTI MOSOMANE
DEPUTY President David Mabuza has tendered his resignation amid a looming Cabinet reshuffle by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This follows his request to Ramaphosa to step down from the position of Deputy President, which the president announced in his reply to the State of the Nation Address on 16 February 2023.
Vincent Magwenya, Presidency spokesperson, said Ramaphosa will be making an announcement in due course about the appointment of a new Deputy President.
“There are vacancies in the Cabinet. We also now have a vacancy in the role of a Deputy President and so there is a sense of urgency that the President fills those vacancies as soon as possible. In a matter of days, that announcement will be made,” said Magwenya.
“The President has to apply his mind. The appointment of Cabinet members and the management of Cabinet is not something that you can conduct in haste. It’s something that has to be carefully considered because you have to look at the stability of the government, you have to look at the programmes that are already underway. There are many layers of complexity and sensitivity that have to be looked at.”
Ramaphosa extended his gratitude and appreciation to Mabuza for his exceptional service to South Africa over the last five years.
“The Deputy President has undertaken the responsibilities of his office with dedication. I am grateful for the support he has provided to me throughout his term and for the leadership he has provided to the work of Government,” said Ramaphosa.
“His contribution has been valued by the many constituencies with which he has engaged, including Traditional Leaders, Military Veterans, civil society formations and international bodies. As Leader of Government Business, he has ably managed the relationship between the Executive and Parliament, working to ensure that the transformative legislative programme of this Administration is advanced.”
ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected replace Mabuza when Ramaphosa announces his Cabinet.
It remains unclear when Ramaphosa will announce his much-anticipated Cabinet reshuffle, but it is expected to take place sometime this week.
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