Malema to Blade: Join us in the streets

That's EFF leader Julius Malema's message to former higher education minister Blade Nzimande.

The minister has been axed in President Jacob Zuma's second cabinet reshuffle this year.

Nzimande has been replaced by former home affairs minister Hlengiwe Mkhize, with Buti Manamela appointed as the deputy minister of higher education.

Malema has called on Nzimande to join the EFF in fighting against "the corrupt ANC government".

Malema says the reshuffle is not about improving the lives of South African, instead, it's about reigniting the controversial Russian nuclear deal.

The former state security minister David Mahlobo has been moved to the energy portfolio.

He is seen as a close ally to President Zuma, and someone who could finally give the green light to the nuclear deal.

Malema addressed the media in Braamfontein following the cabinet reshuffle announcement on Tuesday morning. 

"The cabinet reshuffle is clear consolidation of the state capture for the nuclear procurement deal. It is also used to settle political scores and consolidate factional power for the ANC December conference," Malema says.

The president last axed and moved ministers around in a midnight cabinet reshuffle in March.

Cabinet changes: 

Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize is the Minister of Higher Education and Training

Ayanda Dlodlo is the Minister of Home Affairs

Mmamaloko Kubayi is the Minister of Communications

David Mahlobo is the Minister of Energy

Bongani Thomas Bongo is the Minister of State Security

Buti Manamela is the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training