DA: "Nene’s axing is reckless"
In the aftermath of South African Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene’s axing by President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday evening, the DA said there were no substantial reasons for this “drastic move”.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane ciricised Zuma saying the removal of the Nene wasa “irrational”.
Maimane said the axing was a “reckless and dangerous move that further damages our country’s economy”.
Nene’s axing came after he had recently vetoed a controversial plan by South African Airways board chairwoman Dudu Myeni to renegotiate a contract with Airbus. Reports indicate that the plan could cost the SA government billions of rand in claims.
Maimane said late on Wednesday: “One can only conclude that tonight’s action is yet another example of how President Zuma puts himself first and the country second.”
The DA leader said it was common knowledge that Nene “sought to rein in excessive government spending and was causing too much of a blockage for President Zuma in respect of the nuclear procurement deal and SAA.”
Zuma’s decision to remove Nene came after South Africa’s credit rating was downgraded – a decison Maimane said was not a smart move.
The DA leader said it was important to notice that even though Zuma had acknowledged Nene “has done well since his appointment as minister of finance during a difficult economic climate,” he still chose to fire him.
Maimane said that Nene’s axing “has already had profoundly negative effects on the rand which has plummeted since news of the announcement broke.”
Before Nene’s inexplicable axing the local currency was trading at R22 to the British pound, fell further to close at R23 to the pound.
Maimane said he was concerned at the negative impact this would have on the swelling ranks of the country’s unemployed.
Maimane said Zuma “has no regard for sensible finance policy that puts South Africa first” and he had jeopardised the country’s economic growth and hindered job creation efforts.
African National Congress backbencher David van Rooyen had been installed into Nene’s place “provides no assurance that our economy is in safe hands.”
Emphasising how South Africa needs “strong economic leadership,” Maimane said the DA would intensify efforts aimed at bringing about “change that brings strong leadership and a government that puts South Africa and its people first.”
On Thursday the ANC said Zuma was not oblidged to give reasons for firing Nene.
However, former Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa said on Twitter: “I know the guy who’s the new Finance Minister. He was a Mayor when I was Premier. He was a disaster hence he’s removal 2 years ahead of 2011”.