On Tuesday 09 July 2013 South African President Jacob Zuma announced a cabinet reshuffle, resulting in the end of Dina Pule’s tenure as Communications Minister and the appointment of her replacement, Minister Yunus Carrim.
On Talk Radio 702 political analysts and media representatives spoke of the heavy responsibilities that awaited newly appointed Communications Minister Carrim – including a beleaguered regulatory body in ICASA, ongoing leadership issues at the state broadcaster, SABC, and the difficulty being experienced with the conversion from analogue to digital broadcasting, amongst others.
The internet was abuzz with reaction to the announcement. In a statement posted online, IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party) spokesperson on Communications, Liezl van der Merwe MP, said, “The Department of Communications (DoC) is now under scrutiny by Parliament, and others. Serious damage has been done by the persistent allegations of corruption, nepotism, and cadre deployment. We are hopeful that new Minister Yunus Carrim will bring bold and stable leadership, which is urgently required to harness this Department’s development potential and put it back on the right track. Bold leadership – that will focus on priorities, policy and strategy. Without this, the DoC will drift ever further from its potential of bringing real and meaningful change in the lives of ordinary South Africans.”
In an interview with Moneyweb ICT industry analyst Arthur Goldstuck, CEO of World Wide Worx, said Pule’s removal from her position was “predictable” because of the scrutiny she is under, ongoing investigations and the lack of activity in her department.
This is reportedly President Zuma’s fourth cabinet reshuffle during his leadership.
Chris Tredger, Online Editor
