Who Will be In Ramaphosa’s Cabinet?

Rumours are circling that President Ramaphosa could reduce his cabinet by as many as 9 departments and 13 deputy ministries.

So far there is no official word on when Ramaphosa will announce changes to his executive and discussions are ongoing at Luthuli House on who should be sent to Cabinet.

Ramaphosa is under pressure to leave out controversial ministers such as Bathabile Dlamini and Nomvula Mokonyane.

Sources claim he is set to take over the finance, economics and security cluster with allies being proposed for vital ministries.

Senzo Mchunu is set to take over state security under the new name of Department of Intelligence. Ronald Lamola could become Minister of Justice alongside Shamila Batohi – the national director of public prosecutions.  Finally, Barbara Creecy is being touted as a possible replacement for Finance Minister Tito Mboweni.

Sources are also noting that the Department of Economic Development could disappear entirely and return as the Department of Trade and Industry.

MPs will be sworn in during a special session of the National Assembly next week, when Ramaphosa will also be elected head of state. His inauguration takes place three days later. His current term as president will not count as a full term of office and he remains eligible to serve two terms, as per the Constitution.