Publications
Partners
Newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Des van Rooyen would rather not discuss the controversy around his appointment to President Jacob Zuma’s Cabinet last week which saw him being demoted four days later.
But he understands why he was shifted around and also revealed that he would not have a problem if he was redeployed yet again because he is a disciplined cadre of the ANC.
He was controversially appointed as finance minister to replace Nhlanhla Nene last Wednesday, but after the rand nosedived Zuma reassigned Van Rooyen to a new portfolio four days later.
Zuma moved Van Rooyen before he signed any deals in the Treasury.
“Unfortunately no deals were signed, if that is what you want to hear,” he said, responding to a journalist who asked whether he had signed off on the Russian nuclear and the SAA Airbus deals.
“Let me from the outset state that I understand and support the decisions made by President Zuma.
“As a loyal and disciplined cadre of the beloved movement, the ANC, I look forward to serving the South African public. Our president has placed our country first and I echo President Jacob Zuma’s word in saying as a democratic government we must consistently listen to our citizenry and we must respond of course to their views,” said Van Rooyen.
Journalists persistently asked him about the drama surrounding his appointment and also questions around his competence considering that he was hounded out of Merafong by angry residents when he backed a decision to incorporate Khutsong into the North West province, while residents wanted to remain in Gauteng.
“I must quickly indicate that my interest for now – and all South Africans – our interest should be on focusing on the future; if possible, let’s avoid being stuck in the past,” he began.
“Nevertheless, I must indicate that as a humble servant of the glorious movement called the ANC from an early age of 16 years, I am ready to be deployed anywhere at any time by this movement even if it’s for two hours; even if it is for four days and even if it means I am not deployed tomorrow. I am ready and this is how I was brought up in this organisation.”
Van Rooyen said his experience in Khutsong will influence how he deals with the mergers which will be a result of the Municipal Demarcation Board and which will affect 11 municipalities.
“Yes, indeed the experience that I have acquired in my beloved township of Khutsong will definitely put me in a better position to work with these people. Remember this is something that I have been working on. I mean as we resolve the demarcation related issues, those that are outstanding, we will employ that experience.
“I know that one of the key areas that I think is required is perfecting your community engagement. You need to engage as extensively as possible to address such a matter,” he added.
