Cabinet reshuffle: Mashatile replaces David Mabuza as Deputy President

CHARLES MOLELE

AS widely expected, President Cyril Ramaphosa named ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile as the country’s new Deputy President.

Mashatile takes over from David Mabuza, who stepped down on March 1 following his request to Ramaphosa to resign from the position.

“I have decided to appoint Mr Paul Mashatile as Deputy President of Republic,” said Ramaphosa.

“As I indicated in my reply to the State of the Nation Debate on the 16th of February, Deputy President David Mabuza asked to step down from that position. I am grateful for his support over the five years of his tenure and for his dedicated service to the government and people of South Africa.”

Mashatile, 61, was elected ANC Deputy President during the party’s 55th National Conference at Nasrec, south of Johannesburg.

He had previously served as ANC Gauteng chairperson and as the province’s Premier between 2008 and 2009.

Mashatile has also occupied several