Cabinet reshuffle rumours: Three ministers who may be on the move

Cyril Ramaphosa is going to be haunted by the phrase “new dawn” until he leaves office. The president has used the two-word term extensively since his appointment to the top job, but instead, his administration has been blighted by a series of dark mornings and never-ending nights. The fact that a cabinet reshuffle is allegedly in the works tells you everything you need to know about life in the ANC right now.

According to the Mail and Guardian, several key figures are convinced that Ramaphosa is ready to shuffle his pack, and there could be some high-profile casualties. We’re taking a quick look at who may be in the firing line, and where the president wants to put them instead.

Cabinet reshuffle rumours: Who’s going where?

Lindiwe Sisulu: Move from Human Settlements and Sanitation to Public Service and Administration

This would mark a thinly-veiled demotion for Sisulu, and shoud this go ahead, it would be a damning statement on Cyril’s faith in her to solve the water crises currently plaguing South Africa. Once on Ramaphosa’s slate for the 2017 ANC leadership battle, the minister doesn’t enjoy the same cosy relationship with CR any more.

Lindiwe Sisulu still harbours leadership ambitions, and apparently, that doesn’t sit too well with the president’s inner circle. Plus, her decision to give the disgraced Bathabile Dlamini a route back into frontline ANC business hasn’t endeared her to many. Dlamini, who was made chair of the Social Housing Regulatory Authority this week, is largely blamed for crippling SASSA and the social benefits network.

Senzo Mchunu: Move from Public Service and Administration to State Security

The KZN ANC stalwart would be tasked with regulating South Africa’s intelligence unit if the cabinet reshuffle rumours are to be believed. He was appointed to the role shortly after the 2019 Elections concluded, but it looks like he could be on the move again, giving up his office for Sisulu and replacing Ayanda Dlodlo.

Ayanda Dlodlo: Move from State Security to Human Settlements and Sanitation

And thus, our circle is complete. Dlodlo is being lined up to take Sisulu’s job. It would seem that, despite retaining both politicians in his cabinet, Ramaphosa is attempting to consolidate his party power.

One more piece of the cabinet reshuffle jigsaw

It would be remiss to complete this list without mentioning the tragic death of former Deputy Minister of Energy Bavelile Hlongwa. She lost her life in a motor vehicle accident back in September, and the president is set to pick her replacement soon. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson says she expects any cabinet reshuffle would only take place when the new deputy minister is chosen.