Mbalula Refutes Alleged Tension Between Ramaphosa and Mashatile as Baseless Rumor

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has dismissed reports of tension between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Before the cabinet reshuffle, rumours circulated that Ramaphosa and his allies were considering Mashatile to replace David Mabuza, who had resigned as reported by the Sowetan Live.

However, ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina cautioned that just because Mashatile held a position within the party did not guarantee his appointment as Ramaphosa’s second-in-command.

Speaking at a recent fundraising event in Johannesburg, Mbalula refuted the rumours of tension and assured that Ramaphosa had committed to appointing Mashatile from the beginning.

He urged party members to move on from unfounded rumours and focus on serving the people’s interests.

Mbalula attributed the delays in the reshuffle to changes and negotiations, adding that the president requested specific comrades to form part of the new cabinet.

The new cabinet ministers were sworn in on Tuesday, presided over by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Zizi Kodwa, Patricia de Lille, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, Maropene Ramokgopa, Thembi Nkadimeng, Noxolo Kiviet, and Sindisiwe Chikunga were among the new appointees, while Nathi Mthethwa, Lindiwe Sisulu, and Maite Nkoana-Mashabane were cut from the cabinet.

Photo: Facebook/ @Fikile Mbalula