Zuma’s new cabinet: Opposition MP weighs in

Much has been said about President Zuma’s newly appointed Cabinet throughout the course of this week, including our interview with political commentator Aubrey Matshiqi and our impressions on the relationship between Cabinet and Parliament (here and here) - but what do opposition party members think?

People’s Assembly interviewed one of Parliament newest MPs, Patricia de Lille's former spokesperson, Solly Malatsi.

“I have some obvious concerns about the composition of Cabinet. It is clear that the appointments were made with the consideration of Jacob Zuma entrenching his hold on government and to reward loyalty,” Malatsi said.

He added that President Zuma had even reached out to allies who were isolated in his first term, namely Bheki Cele despite the police building lease saga. Malatsi was also concerned about weather some of the ministers had the necessary qualifications and technical knowledge to do the job - namely new Minister of Mineral Resources, Advocate Ngoako Ramatlhodi, and Energy Minister, Tina Joemat-Pettersson.

“I also cant help but wonder how he kept Joemat-Pettersson in his Cabinet at all given how chaotic her leadership was…. she has no clue what good governance is and no grasp of the limitations of political interference,” Malatsi said.

Last year, then Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Joemat-Pettersson was found guilty by the Public Protector’s office of maladministration, improper and unethical conduct in the irregular awarding of an R800 million tender to the Sekunjalo consortium.

When asked which exclusions surprised him, Malatsi said that he expected Max Sisulu to have a place in Zuma’s executive. “I hold Max Sisulu in high regard. He has extensive political experience and is a sound principled leader. He has a lot of political clout not just because of his surname… he has a strong record as Speaker. His career seems to have been harmed by his establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee on Nkandla.”

Yesterday it was announced that former National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu had resigned as an ANC MP.

Looking at new appointments, Malatsi said that Nomvula Mokonyane’s appointment to the new Ministry of Water and Sanitation was a sound decision. He added that in her position as Gauteng Premiere she “previously displayed a strong sense of energy” around proving basic services to communities and he hoped she would continue to do that.

Malatsi was also less critical of the retention of some Ministers from the Fourth Parliament. Namely, the retention of Angie Motsheka as the Minister of Education. “Despite the delivery of text books, she has done a fairly decent job. Continuity is important and now in her second term she will be held to higher standards. Retaining her could be good as she can now build on the modest progress she has made with her literacy programmes,” Malatsi said.

However, Malatsi did not hold back on his criticism about the Communications Ministry. “What is becoming increasingly clear is that the ANC has literally shown it wants a firm grip on the dissemination of public information. This new ‘propaganda Ministry’ as it is being called will ensure the dissemination of information is consistent with the ruling party’s [plan to show there is a] good story to tell,” he said.