Fury after Dlamini, Mokonyane survive cabinet reshuffle

President Cyril Ramaphosa made three changes to his executive but failed to release the minister of women in the presidency and the newly appointed environmental affairs minister. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA), trade union federation Cosatu, and the United Democratic Moment (UDM) have all expressed their anger at Ramaphosa’s decision to keeping the two in his executive.

“We still do not believe that he can hide from acting against Bathabile Dlamini and Nomvula Mokonyane – but we do understand he has to manage a lot of political contradictions,” says Cosatu spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla.

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He reiterated the federation’s stance towards Dlamini and Mokonyane, saying they’re axing as political heads is long overdue.

“We are clear that these two individuals will continue to hunt his administration and will continue to drag their scandals and controversies from their previous portfolios into his cabinet going forward."

The UDM’s Bantu Holomisa also criticised Ramaphosa.

“Cyril Ramaphosa has to tread carefully – there are deadwoods in his cabinet, but it would appear that he’s putting his party’s interest ahead of the nation."

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The DA also did not mince its words, sharply out speaking against the embattled minsters.

“Most disappointing is the fact that the President has chose to retain Nomvula Mokonyane and Bathabile Dlamini who have clouds of controversy around them.

“You not going to fix what is wrong with South Africa with the same rotten people, sitting around the same table making the same rotten decisions,” says the party's John Steenhuisen.