President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to announce changes to his executive committee this evening, 6 March 2023.
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A spokesperson for the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, provided an update on matters of public and media interest at the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday. Magwenya stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa would reveal adjustments to his executive team on Monday evening, adding that Ramaphosa was finalising the composition of the group despite suffering from a cold. The announcement of the new executive is set for 7pm on Monday.
The speaker insisted that the president was wholeheartedly dedicated to his daily responsibilities and resolving the urgent predicament confronting South Africa.
Ramaphosa’s representative was clear in refuting claims that Ramaphosa placed more importance on personal commitments than issues of national significance.
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New criticism was directed towards Ramaphosa following the circulation of photographs depicting his attendance at a cattle auction dinner on his Phala Phala farm on Friday evening after the process of selecting new appointments for his executive committee had already been delayed earlier in the week due to Ramaphosa’s illness.
A great honour and priviledge meeting H.E @CyrilRamaphosa and his family at dinner hosted at his Phala Phala Farm. I thanked him and H.E @KagutaMuseveni promoting the Ankole cattle to greater heights and I extended invitation to the Ankole cattle society of SA 2 visit Uganda. pic.twitter.com/oXKFGREiQF
— wilson kajwengye (@WKajwengye) March 4, 2023
The pictures showed him greeting and mingling with attendees at the Ntaba Nyoni cattle production event.
John Steenhuisen, leader of the DA, heavily censured Ramaphosa for the delay in filling crucial Cabinet positions, accusing him of prioritising personal pursuits above the well-being of the country’s populace.
Steenhuisen said, “Too ‘sick’ to do the cabinet reshuffle and other presidential work but NEVER too sick to do private Phala Phala business…”
Wilson Kajwengye, a member of parliament in Uganda, tweeted about having dinner hosted by Ramaphosa at his farm, adding to recent criticism.
According to the Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, the event had been planned for months. and Ramaphosa did not attend the auction itself, only stopping by briefly.
Magwenya asserted that the president is committed to forming an executive that will effectively address the country’s concerns.
The resignation of Ayanda Dlodlo, former Minister of Public Service and Administration, and Deputy President David Mabuza have left vacancies in the committee.
Ramaphosa announced during his State of the Nation Address that an electricity minister would be appointed to address the power crisis, but nearly a month has passed without an appointment being made.
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Picture: @PresidencyZA / Twitter