South Africa’s government denied media reports on Sunday that pro-business planning chief Trevor Manuel might leave his job, but gave no indication whether President Jacob Zuma is preparing a cabinet reshuffle.
The Sunday Independent reported that Zuma was poised to rearrange his Cabinet, and that Manuel might be among those to depart.
“Only the president knows whether or not there will be a reshuffle,” Cabinet spokesperson Themba Maseko said in an emailed statement.
Government spokesperson Dumisa Jele said Manuel would stay in his current position while also taking on a new role, assisting Zuma with a pan-African infrastructure development programme.
“It’s not to replace his job,” Jele said of Manuel’s new role. “He still is head of the National Planning Commission.”
Manuel, a former finance minister, has publicly disagreed with the left-leaning allies of the ruling African National Congress. His departure could have dented investor confidence in the ANC.
Another South African minister was quoted on Sunday as saying reshuffle rumours were not new.
“The question is unfair,” Collins Chabane, a minister responsible for monitoring government programmes, said when asked about a potential change in the Cabinet, the South African Press Association said.
“Rumours about a Cabinet reshuffle have been around since the Cabinet was formed,” he said. “Ministers are doing their work as usual.” – Reuters