Cosatu: Gordhan recall was “embarrassing”
The Confederation of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says it’s waiting for the reasons behind the President’s decision to instruct Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan to return South Africa from an investment roadshow in the United Kingdom and US.
General Secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali says they were shocked to hear the news of Gordhan’s recall.
“It is unprecedented and the manner in which it was done raises eyebrows as to what is the reason behind the president’s call. Already there is speculation as this has never happened before, maybe this is going to be a precursor for a cabinet reshuffle.“
Ntshalintshali says President Jacob Zuma must have had a good reason to ask Gordhan to return home when he was on important business.
He says this matter will be discussed at Cosatu’s special Central Executive Committee on Monday.
Gordhan confirmed on Tuesday that he is still the minister of Finance, amid rumours that he resigned.
He also told journalists questions about the reasons he was told to come back from the UK should be directed to the Presidency.