National

Ministers in suspense as Mbeki decides

April 26, 2004 Edition -1

Jeremy Michaels

Bantu Holomisa got a good-natured rise out of the president and prompted uncontrollable laughter in parliament.

The United Democratic Movement leader even had Deputy President Jacob Zuma wiping away tears of laughter on Friday.

"Don't call the president," Holomisa said in a pointed word of light-hearted caution to cabinet ministers seated alongside and behind Thabo Mbeki just after the National Assembly had re-elected him as president.

"I know the stress levels are high, people are wondering whether they will come back as ministers or not, but please be warned that if the president has not called you between now and Monday, don't call the president," said Holomisa.

Zuma could be seen removing his spectacles to wipe the tears from his eyes after Holomisa joined several other opposition leaders in what turned out to be a fun-filled round of speeches congratulating Mbeki.

The president displayed his typically reserved character throughout the proceedings, nervously peeking at his speech several times.

But as Holomisa lapped up the attention on the podium and obliged with his humorous yet insightful lines, Mbeki would almost certainly have had thoughts of his new cabinet flashing through his mind.

By tonight Mbeki will certainly have jotted most of the names next to his list of ministers, and it is likely he will start in earnest to inform his new lieutenants after being sworn in as president tomorrow.

He is expected to name his cabinet on Wednesday.

There has been much speculation about who Mbeki will keep for his second term and who will go - but there are few clues, because cabinet positions are one of Mbeki's most closely guarded secrets.

It will have been difficult for him to consult his closest confidants in the ANC because, save for very few, most senior party members have a vested interest in the appointments.

Uppermost in Mbeki's mind will be the task at hand - fighting poverty and creating jobs - and he will no doubt choose his most able comrades to take charge of key areas of delivery.

Mbeki is expected to usher in a more youthful cabinet, with a strong showing of women in key areas.

Zuma, the ANC's deputy president, is likely to retain his post as deputy president, as is party chairperson Mosiuoa Lekota, the Minister of Defence.

Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang might be relieved of her contentious leadership, as there is much unhappiness in the ANC about the way she has handled the HIV/ Aids pandemic.

However, she is also one of Mbeki's most loyal lieutenants, and might be rewarded as such.

In education, Professor Kader Asmal could be shifted aside in favour of Naledi Pandor, former chair of the National Council of Provinces, who took up a seat in the National Assembly on Friday.

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, credited with sterling management of the economy, is likely to stay on in his post, while Jabu Moleketi, the former Gauteng finance MEC, is tipped to become Manuel's deputy and understudy.

Alec Erwin, the Trade and Industry Minister, could be kept, or might be relieved in favour of "redeployment" to the World Trade Organisation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is likely to keep her portfolio, but as she is one of Mbeki's most trusted ministers, she could be moved to a more delivery-

focused post where she could champion the fight against poverty.

Lindiwe Sisulu, the Minister of Intelligence, and Charles Nqakula, Minister of Safety and Security, are tipped to stay.

Mbeki has four vacancies to fill - those of late transport minister Dullah Omar; Dr Ben Ngubane, former arts, culture,

science and technology minister, who has been appointed ambassador to Japan; and Justice Minister Penuell Maduna and Minister of Environment Affairs and Tourism Valli Moosa, who have indicated they want to pursue other careers.

Minister of Home Affairs Mangosuthu Buthelezi is unlikely to retain his post - his deputy, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, is tipped to take over as minister.

However, Mbeki might want to include Buthelezi in his cabinet, given the troubled relationship between the ANC and IFP.

• News
• Local
• National
• Africa
• World
• Opinion
• Lifestyle
• Entertainment
• Sport