New Cabinet for President Jacob Zuma

After been sworn for the second time, President Jacob Zuma made some few changes in his cabinet on the 25^th of May 2014 in Cape Town. However, News24 online wrote ‘this cabinet is considered as being able to drive socio-economic transformation forward, but the official opposition was decidedly less excited about the prospects.

Even though some other people are not satisfied about these few changes in the cabinet, ANC believes that it was a balanced and experienced selection. New24 online reported that Gwede Mantashe (ANC Secretary General) emphasized that the announced cabinet has the qualities needed to fight unemployment, poverty and inequality.

New Deputy President

The new Deputy President is now Cyril Ramaphosa. He takes over from Kgalema Motlanthe. The whole South Africa hopes he will do a good job.

DA is not happy

Democratic Alliance is not impressed with the new cabinet; they think President Zuma’s choice will not try and solve major problems in the country which are economic declination, poverty, corruption and unemployment. However, Hellen Zille (DA’s leader) told News24 that she is happy about the re-appointment of Aaron Motsoaledi as Health minister and Angie Motshekga as Basic Education minister.

Zille thinks moving Pravin Gordhan from finance minister seat is a mistake and it will have a negative influence on the confidence of international investors. However, many people in the country are thrilled to have the first black African (Minister Nhlanhla Nene) as minister of finance. Zille says they (DA members) hope that Nene will control government debt levels which seem to be rising recently. However, DA hopes that minister Gordhan will do well in his new Local Government department.

Defence Force stays with their minister

People from South African National Defence Force seem to be happy with Zuma’s decision not to change Minister Nosiphiwe Mapisa Nqakula. In social networks, more especially twitter, people say it is for the best because she will be able to continue with what she has started and maybe finish it.

People’s ideas about new Department

Zuma’s new cabinet has expanded with Telecommunications and Postal Services Department. It will concentrate on small business development and Lindiwe Zulu will be the minister for that department. People in different social networks think the new ministry will help in job creation since government will need people with skills to work for this new department. Also, News24 reported that the NYDA welcomed the establishment of the small business development ministry. ‘We are confident that young South Africans will benefit from this department’ said NYDA executive chair Yershen Pillay.

EFF is worried about the costs

However, one will always have to oppose what others are saying, in News24, EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) told the reporters that they are concerned with the costs associated with the new cabinet. ‘The average expenditure on each minister and deputy for their cars, both houses in Pretoria and Cape Town, the protection services and transport exceeded R10m’ said EFF national spokesperson, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.