JUST IN: Pravin Gordhan axed as finance minister

31 March 2017 - 01:06 By TMG Digital
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Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan
Image: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters

President Jacob Zuma has finally removed Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, following a week of intense speculation.

He will be replace by Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba.

Gordhan's deputy Mcebisi Jonas has also been removed and will be replaced by Sifiso Buthelezi, who is currently a member of parliament.

A major cabinet reshuffle is unfolding and at least nine ministers and six deputies are said to have been axed.

  • Who Zuma cut in the #cabinetreshuffleA major cabinet reshuffle is unfolding and at least nine ministers and six deputies have been axed. 

Sources confirmed that Gordhan has officially been removed from his position as Zuma met with ministers individually this evening.

The meetings follow an earlier meeting with the ANC's top leaders.

  • WATCH: Zuma laughs off cabinet reshuffle questionAmid confirmation from the South African Communist Party (SACP) of media reports that President Jacob Zuma informed them on Monday of plans to reshuffle Cabinet‚ the president has laughed off questions from a journalist on the steps of Parliament.

Zuma on Monday recalled Gordhan from roadshows in London and the US aimed at investors and ratings agencies, triggering renewed speculation of a cabinet reshuffle.

The president also cancelled deputy finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas’ trip to the same events. It is believed Jonas will also be removed.

Gordhan was believed to the main target of the reshuffle.

  • Opinion: How Zuma's firing of Gordhan severely damages South AfricaWe have stepped through the looking glass and we are now in another country, writes Ray Hartley 
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