President Jacob Zuma of South Africa has reshuffled his Cabinet yet again. With the new portfolios, Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has been fired and replaced by Ayanda Dlodlo, whose communications portfolio now goes to Mmamoloko Kubayi. In a surprise move, State Security Minister David Mahlobo has been given Kubayi’s energy portfolio. And in another twist, ANC MP Bongani Bongo becomes the new Minister of State Security, while Buti Manamela moves sideways from the Presidency to become deputy Higher Education and Training Minister.
According to South African media, the elevation of Bongo to the powerful state security portfolio is the biggest surprise. Bongo hails from Mpumalanga where he has a house in Nelspruit.
He became an MP only at the start of the fifth Parliament in 2014. He’s proved himself to be a stout defender of Zuma in debates in the House and where he’s served on committees, including those of defence and military veterans and justice and correctional services in the National Assembly.
