SCORE: C+ Despite the ANC losing its majority after the 29 May elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa has kept it in power through the government of national unity (GNU) and has overseen the swift transition to a multi-party government, which he has managed to hold together since the end of June. Ramaphosa may be a lame duck […]
SCORE: C- Paul Mashatile has had a very Ramaphosian 2024: cautious, inoffensive and ever-present. He runs the deputy presidency much like his boss did — which can be soothing to a country that hasn’t forgotten how forgettable his predecessor, DD Mabuza, was. In that position he has been the cheerleader-in-chief for the government of national […]
SCORE: B Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has made notable progress in addressing power cuts and keeping load-shedding at bay for more than six months. His ability to do this was initially doubted by many, who argued that it would be impossible to stabilise Eskom which had made a loss of over R20 billion a year. But, under […]
SCORE: C- Taking a scythe to the department of agriculture, rural development and land reform was a clever way for President Cyril Ramaphosa to offer Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen a cabinet position while making it clear to him who still rules the South African roost. In a ministry where foot-and-mouth coverage is about as […]
SCORE: E The justice minister must, like Caesar’s wife, be beyond suspicion. Thembi Simelane never met that standard and her six-month tenure was remarkable only as time spent denying credible corruption allegations, rather than showing the decency to step aside. The justice minister holds final political responsibility for the embattled National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which […]
SCORE: E When the ministry of energy was removed from his portfolio, Gwede Mantashe was quick to clarify it was not a demotion but an opportunity to elevate petroleum, which had “long played second fiddle” to other sources in the energy sector. Central to this is his Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, which will fast-track […]
SCORE: C- Three years into his tenure, Enoch Godongwana continues to navigate his job with a “tough love” approach, mirroring his predecessor, Tito Mboweni, an advocate of austerity. His reappointment following national elections reassured markets, signalling continuity and emphasised his commitment to fiscal discipline. Godongwana set a fiscal deficit target of 3.4% of GDP by […]
SCORE: C+ Senzo Mchunu inherited a particularly problematic under-resourced police department that is still recovering from the ravages of state capture. He appears to hold a long view regarding transforming the police service and is open to new ideas. He appreciates the depth of the problems facing him and that even with the resources the […]
SCORE: A Patricia de Lille is seen as humble, accessible and responsive to concerns of the industry, which sees her as a welcome team player. She has intervened immediately when safety issues affecting tourists have been brought to her attention, getting hold of the police and other authorities to take action. De Lille has taken […]
SCORE: C Siviwe Gwarube has steadily made her influence felt. A major development was the signing of the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act in September, which Gwarube objected to but said she would implement. The minister has outlined plans for 2025 and has been strict on funding. She halted the R9.8 billion National […]