BREAKING: ZUMA SURPRISES WITH ANOTHER CABINET RESHUFFLE

South Africa

In the second reshuffle this year, President Jacob Zuma has both moved and replaced ministers in key portfolios such as energy, state security and higher education. 

Speculation was rife that, after being sworn in as an MP last month, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma would be added to the Cabinet but this has not transpired.

State Security Minister, David Mahlobo, has been moved to the energy portfolio and replaced by Bongani Thomas Bongo. Mmamaloko Kubayi is appointed as minister of communications while Ayanda Dlodlo has moved from communications minister to home affairs.

Zuma removed Blade Nzimande, replacing him with Hlengiwe Mkhize as higher education minister. Which is not a surprise considering Nzimande, the general secretary of the SACP and previously an important Zuma ally, has earlier called on the president to step down. 

Buti Manamela, a deputy minister in the Presidency, replaces Mduduzi Manana as deputy minister of higher education. Manana resigned following his assault on a woman recently.

Here is Zuma's statement:

"After careful consideration, I have decided to make the following changes to the National Executive;

1. Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize is the Minister of Higher Education and Training

2. Ms Ayanda Dlodlo is the Minister of Home Affairs

3. Ms Mmamaloko Kubayi is the Minister of Communications

4. Mr David Mahlobo is the Minister of Energy

5. Adv. Bongani Thomas Bongo is the Minister of State Security

6. Mr Buti Manamela is the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training

I thank the former members of the National Executive for good service in their previous portfolios.

I wish the members who are assuming new portfolios all the best in their new responsibilities."