Opposition parties look beyond Gigaba's resignation

Judging by the social media posts that followed the news of Malusi Gigaba's resignation, his departure was largely welcomed by the public and opposition party leaders.

Gigaba's decision to bow out as home affairs minister came as a shock to some. This is largely because in the weeks leading up to his exit, Gigaba had given several interviews asserting that he would not be pressured to resign.

Gigaba's determination to keep his job seemed to overshadow the fact that just last month, Public Protector Busi Mkhwebane had advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to take disciplinary action against Gigaba for telling "an untruth under oath", a violation of the constitution.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane was among those who tweeted that further action should be taken against Gigaba for his transgressions.

The EFF posted an official statement with a caption that refers to Gigaba as "the liar".

IFP Chief Whip Narend Singh told eNCA journalists that Gigaba's resignation had helped the president avert what would have been an embarrassing situation.

COPE simply tweeted MP Willie Madisha's sarcastic swipe at the ANC, which he used to begin the tourism speech he delivered in Parliament on Tuesday. 

Other politicians were quick to get over Gigaba's resignation and soon began throwing suggestions about who they think should be next on the chopping block. 

DA MP Phumzile van Damme said that a cabinet reshuffle will help fill the gap left by Gigaba and the late Edna Molewa. 

Up until her death in September, Molewa was the minister of environmental affairs.

Despite the avalanche of negative attention his former employer received after resigning, Mayihlome Tshwete's gratitude to Gigaba would not be snuffed out.

In June, Tshwete resigned from his role as home affairs department spokesperson reporting to former minister Gigaba.