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Presidency rejects reports of Cabinet reshuffle

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Is Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe on his way out? The ANC says no.
Is Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe on his way out? The ANC says no.

The presidency has rejected reports of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle.

Responding to the latest report by Independent Newspapers on Sunday, Jacob Zuma’s spokesperson Bongani Majola said it was “mischievous and clearly designed to sow divisions, uncertainty and confusion”.

Those ministers whose jobs were on the line - as early as this week - include the Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies as well as Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande.

Speculation has been rife that current deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas is set to be a casualty or shifted to another department.

Independent Newspapers reported that Sfiso Buthelezi, who was sworn in as an MP recently, is in line for Davies’ job. In earlier reports, he was speculated to be in line for Jonas’s job in the finance ministry, with Jonas replacing Davies. 

Speculation has been rife that in order to Zuma was strengthening his hand, the chief target would be the treasury, and that a purge of leaders of the South African Communist Party was on the cards.

The SACP released a statement last week warning of another “Gupta-inspired Cabinet reshuffle”.

 
The reports were rejected by the presidency on Sunday.

In a statemen, Majola said that ministers and departments had been directed by the president to focus on their programme of action following the state of the nation address and the budget speech.

“The attempts to divert them and cause unease and uncertainty within the national executive of government is rejected outright,” he said.

In "refuting" the latest report, Majola referred to Radebe, Patel, Davies and Nzimande specifically. He does not mention Jonas' name. 

Last week Jonas confirmed reports that the Guptas last year offered him the job of finance minister.

The Guptas have denied the claims.

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