Presidential spokesman: No reason provided in South Africa's cabinet reshuffle

The latest cabinet reshuffle announced by South African President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday puzzled many people in the country, but the Presidency on Wednesday refused to give reasons for the move. "The Presidency has noted complaints from some media houses and commentators that President Jacob Zuma did not provide reasons when announcing changes to the National Executive yesterday," presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said. "The Presidency wishes to remind the opinion makers that the President of the Republic uses his prerogative when appointing members to the National Executive. He does not need to provide reasons," Maharaj said in response to those who are seeking answers. In the reshuffle, nine ministries were replaced, notably Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale, an anti-apartheid activist who has openly challenged Zuma's leadership. In announcing the reshuffle, Zuma said the changes are always done to develop the country. "Twenty years of democracy have changed the face of our country, and the last five years have pushed that change forward. The achievements are due to the hard work of our ministers, premiers, deputy ministers and many others who have worked hard in leading the process of transformation and improving the quality of life of our people," said Zuma. Zuma has in the past reshuffled his cabinet to remove underperforming ministers and others fingered in unprofessionally conduct. But the latest move raised questions about the necessity to reshuffle the cabinet at this time when the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is gearing up for next year's elections, in which Zuma will seek re-election to another five-year term. Sexwale, Zuma's political rival in the ANC, reportedly said he "respected" Zuma's decision. "I respect whatever decisions are made by the president," said Sexwale, who was replaced by Connie September. Sexwale campaigned against Zuma's re-election as the ANC leader at the ruling party's national elective conference in December. The newly appointed ministers also included Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Lechesa Tsenoli, Minister of Communications Yunus Carrim and Minister of Energy Ben Martins. The incoming members of the National Executive will be sworn later Wednesday at the Union Buildings, the Presidency said.