By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on Wednesday, commended his outgoing Deputy, David Mabuza, for his “exceptional service to the country over the last five years.”
This comes ahead of a planned cabinet reshuffle, in which lawmakers will be moved around to reflect shifts within the African National Congress (ANC).
Mabuza had last month expressed his desire to step down from his position, following the outcome of the governing party’s leadership elections in December 2022.
President Ramaphosa had urged the deputy to remain in his role, pending when modalities of his departure and transition have been finalized.
Paul Mashatile defeated Mabuza at an ANC conference in December, after Mabuza failed to secure a single nomination from any of the party’s structures.
Ramaphosa was reelected as ANC leader in December, making him the party’s presidential candidate in 2024 elections.
The president will in coming days, appoint a Minister of Electricity, a new position that was announced last month in an effort to help the nation escape the “state of disaster” brought on by frequent, extended power outages.
Mabuza concentrated on land reforms and the plight of military veterans seeking compensation while serving as Deputy President, but he was largely unknown to many voters.
