Lungani Zungu
If President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes to get rid of Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, he’ll have to fire him because Mkhize is not stepping down on his own.
In a brief exclusive interview with Scrolla.Africa, Mkhize said he will respect any decision taken by the president amid the looming cabinet reshuffle.
Mkhize said he has always been a disciplined member of the ANC and will continue to be one.
“I have cooperated with the Special Investigations Unit. As I have said before, we will pay back any amount if we are ordered to do so,” he said.
“I will respect any decision that comes from the President.”
He wouldn’t comment further.
Mkhize’s job as Health Minister was dealt a blow after the allegations that he might have influenced the decision to award Digital Vibes a R150 million contract from his department.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) launched a probe into the matter and directly linked Mkhize and his son, Dedani, to the deal.
Ramaphosa subsequently put Mkhize on special leave in June.
The president, who always bides his time before making any big decisions, has played his cards very close to his chest, but pressure is growing for him to permanently drop the axe on Mkhize.
The suspended minister supported him in his successful bid to become ANC president in 2017, and with the ANC’s elective conference set for next year, Ramaphosa doesn’t want to create enemies.
The ANC’s Pule Mabe said it was the prerogative of the president to fire and hire ministers.
“We don’t know of any imminent cabinet reshuffle. But if it happens it will be nothing new.”
Ramaphosa gave a hint last week that a shaking up of his cabinet might happen imminently.
He has also been expected to appoint a new minister in the presidency following the death of Jackson Mthembu in January.
Acting spokesperson in the presidency Tyrone Seale could not be reached for comment.
