The National Assembly will have to elect a new Speaker soon, following Thandi Modise’s appointment as the new defence minister.
It’s only the second time in democratic South Africa that a Speaker has not completed their five-year term.
Baleka Mbete’s first term was cut short by a few months in 2008, to stand in as deputy president.
The latest Cabinet reshuffle also means several portfolio committees will have to elect new leaders.
After just two years in the hot seat, Modise’s run as a no-nonsense Speaker of the National Assembly has come to an end.
She’s bidding farewell to the legislature after having also served as chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
Ramaphosa’s shake-up means several key committees are now without chairpersons.
Former deputy finance minister Mondli Gungubele had been chairing the social development committee, keeping an eye on COVID-19 relief to the country’s vulnerable.
He now moves into the presidency to take over from the late Jackson Mthembu.
Sibongiseni Dhlomo moves up from his job as health committee chairperson to deputy minister of the same portfolio.
Philly Mapulane, the chairperson of both the higher education and powers and privileges committees, is now the new deputy minister of communications.
Backbencher Chana Pilane-Majeke makes another return as a deputy minister, this time, for Public Service and Administration.
The resignations of Tito Mboweni and Zweli Mkhize pave the way for new MPs to enter the house but all eyes will be on whether the axed former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will stay on as a backbencher, or be elected as the new speaker of the house.
Source: eNCA
In other news – Mohale is not a victim, he also beat me up – Somizi breaks his silence on abuse allegations
Mzansi star Somizi Mhlongo has broken his silence about his marriage woes and the abuse allegations levelled against him by his estranged husband Mohale Motaung.
In a statement issued on Instagram, Somizi has addressed the abuse allegations that popped up earlier this week when a local publication reported that Mohale allegedly made the claims in an interview with producers of the reality show Living the Dream with Somizi. Learn More
