Pretoria - The Presidency says it rejects certain media reports that allege an impending Cabinet reshuffle.
“The Presidency rejects the ongoing reports in some media houses about an alleged pending cabinet reshuffle,” it said in a statement.
The media reports also mention the names of certain Ministers that are believed to be removed.
“Misguided speculation of this nature is mischievous and misleading. We urge that Cabinet be afforded the necessary respect and space to work,” said the Presidency.
In addition, the Presidency said it had noted media reports that Cabinet was not informed about the appointment of a new Minister of Finance.
On Wednesday night, President Jacob Zuma announced that he had removed Nhlanhla Nene as Minister of Finance. Nene was replaced by Minister David van Rooyen who was sworn into office at a brief ceremony on Thursday.
“There is no obligation on the part the President of the Republic to inform or consult other members of Cabinet or the National Executive prior to making any new appointments or changes. The only people who are informed are those affected by the changes.
“The President exercises his prerogative in making the appointments and then issues a public announcement,” said the Presidency.
Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe told media during a post-Cabinet briefing on Friday that the appointment and removal of Cabinet Ministers was the prerogative of the President.
“The issue of appointments and removal of Cabinet Ministers is the prerogative of the President. This was not discussed at Cabinet,” said the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za
