President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced major changes to the government of South Africa in response to last month\u2019s unrest, abolishing the Ministry of State Security and accepting the resignation of health and finance ministers.<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa announced changes to the National Executive on Thursday evening, citing the need to effectively administer Covid-19 vaccination, rebuild the economy and \u201censure peace and stability in the wake of the recent outbreak of violence and destruction in parts of the country.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has resigned, and will be replaced by Joe Phaahla, a Limpopo native who was involved in organizing the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni was also \u201cexcused\u201d<\/em> from his job, which he took over in October 2018, and will be replaced by Enoch Godongwana.<\/p>\n Ramaphosa said Mboweni \u201ceffectively and ably steered National Treasury through extremely difficult economic times, providing stability and instilling confidence\u201d<\/em> and thanked him for his service.<\/p>\n In a major change, Ramaphosa abolished the Ministry of State Security and placed the State Security Agency under the presidency, \u201cto ensure that the country\u2019s domestic and foreign intelligence services more effectively enable the President to exercise his responsibility to safeguard the security and integrity of the nation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ncediso Goodenough \u2018Zizi\u2019 Kodwa will serve<\/a> as the deputy minister under the presidency, in charge of security and intelligence. A member of the leadership of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, Kodwa was previously deputy minister for State Security under Ayanda Dlodlo \u2013 who was reshuffled back into the Ministry of Public Service and Administration.<\/p>\n The reshuffle comes after the week-long riots in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces last month, which claimed at least 337 lives<\/a> and wrought widespread destruction to the economy and infrastructure of South Africa. More than 3,400 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest, sparked by the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma on charges of contempt of court.<\/p>\n A three-member panel has been tasked to conduct \u201ca thorough and critical review of our preparedness and the shortcomings in our response\u201d<\/em> to the riots, Ramaphosa said.<\/p>\n The members of the panel are: – Prof Sandy Africa, as chair,- Adv Mojanku Gumbi- Mr Silumko Sokupa The panel will examine all aspects of our security response and will make recommendations on strengthening our capabilities.<\/p>\n \u2014 Cyril Ramaphosa \ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 5, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Ramaphosa concluded Thursday night\u2019s announcement by declaring that his government is \u201cunwavering in our determination to build a capable state, one which is ably led and which effectively serves the needs of the people.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n