Ramaphosa confirms cabinet reshuffle and Twitter gets out the popcorn

22 November 2018 - 11:57 By Ntokozo Miya

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce his new cabinet on Thursday afternoon and Twitter has come alive with anticipation.
Image: ESA ALEXANDER

Following the September death of environmental affairs minister Edna Molewa and the resignation of Malusi Gigaba as home affairs minister in November, there are two vacant positions in the cabinet.

On Thursday morning, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he would be making changes to his cabinet later in the afternoon.

Speculation about who will fill the two vacant posts, as well as which ministers might be moved around, are already flooding social media.

Who do want to see get the boot?Me: Bathabile Dlamini. #CabinetReshuffle
— Thighspreader (@ntsekisang) November 22, 2018

Panyaza Lesufi should be made Minister of Basic Education as in now. Let’s not wait for next year’s election. That guy would jack up that department in no time. Plus he can use this time to bed in. Thereafter he’ll hit the ground running after the election. #CabinetReshuffle
— 16 V (@Ara_16V) November 22, 2018

Whether or not Pravin stays at Public Enterprises after #CabinetReshuffle will answer a lot of questions regarding the President and the ANC.
— Andile Mlondo (@AndileMlondo) November 22, 2018

Other South Africans are just hoping for some fresh blood.

Currently the bloated Cabinet is made up of very old people who were suppose to play with their great grandchildren under the tree.

I hope President Cyril #Ramaphosa appoints capable and intelligent young people to fill or to replace key positions.#CabinetReshuffle #NCOP
— Hlubi Hendricks (@HlubiHendricks) November 22, 2018

Another opportunity for #CyrilRamaphosa to appoint young people and more women into his executive. #PaulKagame has shown us that young people can lead. #CabinetReshuffle
— @Zakes (@KEKANAEZEKIEL) November 22, 2018

Can the President just for once shock us and excite us at the same time. Get us some young, intelligent blood!!! Also use the opportunity to do some spring cleaning.... Give us our Black Friday sommer today.#CabinetReshuffle pic.twitter.com/7RVJcStBkq
— Dineo Mo (@Dineololla) November 22, 2018

A couple of people felt that reshuffles are so common in our cabinet that it has become difficult to keep track of who heads up the various departments at any given time.

I remember as kid in pre-school we used to know all ministers and their ministries. Today maybe 4 - 5 I know of. It is impossible to keep up with the reshuffles#CabinetReshuffle
— Mvuyo Mdekazi (@Mvuyo_) November 22, 2018

When #CabinetReshuffle has just become part of our daily lives as South Africa’s, it doesn’t even invoke any emotional response from me anymore.
— Minenhle (@MiniZeeS) November 22, 2018

It came as a surprise to some people that this cabinet reshuffle would be announced in broad daylight, unlike in the days of former president Jacob Zuma, when such announcements were typically made late at night.

I must say, I like these day time #CabinetReshuffle 's they are the best!
— Zulu Siyabonga (@Bongaaa27) November 22, 2018

The era of midnight #CabinetReshuffle is behind us.
— Andile Mlondo (@AndileMlondo) November 22, 2018

During The Day!!! #CabinetReshuffle pic.twitter.com/qL8qiY5Hzu
— Dezanova45 (@Dezanavo45) November 22, 2018

Ramaphosa is expected to make the announcement at 3pm.

He has told the media that there will be no question and answer session after he delivers the news.

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