No word on Malatsi's replacement

2003-02-25 20:30

Cape Town - Acting president Jacob Zuma on Tuesday remained mum on who would replace disgraced former deputy social development minister David Malatsi.

Asked at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Housing Minister Brigitte Mabandla about who would replace Malatsi, he told Sapa: "It is not open for discussion at the moment and not on my agenda... it is up to President Thabo Mbeki to decide."

Malatsi, a New National Party member, resigned from the executive after he was implicated in the Roodefontein golf development scandal. He has since been charged with corruption and is on R10 000 bail.

Mabandla, the former deputy minister of arts and culture, was sworn in on Tuesday night by Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe, together with Buyelwa Sonjica, who replaces her as deputy.

In brief remarks to reporters, Mabandla said her new deployment would be a challenge, but that she would cope.

"I have been working in the economic and social clusters and am familiar with housing issues."

Mabandla said the housing department was efficient and that her predecessor Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele would always be available to advise her.

Sonjica, who was previously the chairperson of the National Assembly's water affairs and forestry committee, said while her portfolio was "complex" she too did not envisage any problems.

"I am conversant with what's happening in arts and culture."

'Elated'

Zuma said that retaining the same number of women in the executive showed that government was "serious in ensuring that women were part of the decision-making policies".

He said while it was sad to lose Mthembi-Mahanyele to the Cabinet he was "elated" that she was remaining in the African National Congress. She is to take up her new post as ANC deputy secretary-general at the end of the month.

"Comrade Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele has been part of this democratic government since its inception, and her contribution has been remarkable, outstanding and indeed befitting a cadre with the kind of background that she has in the struggle for freedom, justice and a better life for all.

"Her contribution to the ANC and the struggle for freedom speaks for itself."

The ANC would be looking to her to lead it in the next decade "channelling this ship in the right direction, so that the ANC never loses track of its historical mission and duty to the people of South Africa".

The acting president is due to host a farewell dinner for Mthembi-Mahanyele later on Tuesday.

- SAPA