Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff has asserted her shaky authority by announcing a cabinet reshuffle, which includes the bold move of dropping the provincial African National Congress chairperson, Elias ”Ace” Magashule.
A fortnight ago, Marshoff’s unpopular right-hand man, Noby Ngombane, was shot dead in the driveway of his home. Ngombane was killed days before Marshoff was due to announce the reshuffle.
Ngombane’s wife, Nokwanda, has insisted her husband was killed by his political enemies in the ANC. The allegation was vehemently denied by the ANC and Marshoff.
Marshoff appeared to take advantage of divisions within the ANC by dropping provincial chairperson Magashule. Divisions are known to exist between Magashule and his deputy Casca Mokitlane.
A former United Democratic Front leader with a popular following in the the Free State ANC, Magashule has been kept out of the premiership over the past 10 years by the ANC’s national leaders.
The new reshuffle announced on Thursday saw Magashule, as well as tourism environment and economic affairs minister Benny Mala- koane, left out of the new cabinet, while other provincial ministers were moved to different posts.