The dominant feature of the reshuffle was that all of the positions were filled by women, only weeks after Mbeki was reported as suggesting that a woman should succeed him.
However, it should also be noted that only one new Ministerial appointment was made, with the balance involving direct ministerial swaps.
In something of a surprise development, Minerals and Energy Minister Lindiwe Hendricks and Water Affairs and Forestry Minister Buyelwa Sonjica changed positions.
This was surprising given that Hendricks, a former attorney, only took up the position as Minerals and Energy Minister in June last year, following the promotion of the previous minister, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, to the Deputy Presidency. Mlambo-Ngcuka took over from the popular Jacob Zuma, who, at that stage was facing corruption charges, and who was subsequently charged with rape, but was acquitted of the charge.
Hendricks will now become the Water Affairs and Forestry Minister, while Sonjica, who occupied the position of Water Affairs and Forestry since April 2004, has been offered the position to head up South Africa’s Minerals and Energy.
Meanwhile, Mbeki’s reshuffle also involved the firebrand Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lulu Xingwana, who will now become the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs. She, too, was appointed in 2004 and is expected to bring her far more robust style into the highly important and controversial area of land reform.
Xingwana will be replacing Thoko Didiza, who is moving to Public Works – a portfolio closely involved with preparations for 2010 soccer World Cup. She succeeds Sigcua, who died following a long illness.
The four Ministers will be sworn in later in the week.
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
