President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new ministers of health and finance tonight (Thursday).

Hours before the cabinet reshuffle was announced by Ramaphosa, suspended Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize resigned.

Also read: Digital Vibes: Over R1 million spent on hair salon, nail franchise for Mkhize’s family

Ramaphosa said he had also accepted a request from Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni to step down.

Dr Joe Phaahla is the new Minister of Health and Enoch Godongwana the Minister of Finance.

Mkhize was suspended two months ago for his alleged involvement in an irregular R150m communications tender awarded to Digital Vibes, a technology and digital marketing company.

The Special Investigating Unit was tasked with investigating claims of Mkhize’s ties with and involvement in Digital Vibes. The Presidency received the unit’s final report a month ago.

Mkhize’s son, Dedani, was also implicated in the deal.

The ANC’s integrity committee did its own investigation and the findings were discussed by the national working committee this week.

In another blow, the  Daily Maverick’s Scorpio team on Tuesday published a piece claiming that R650 000 of the Digital Vibes contract money went towards start-up costs for a Tammy Taylor Nails outlet opened by Mkhize’s daughter-in-law, Sthoko Mkhize.

Also read: WATCH: Deputy president’s Russia trip probed

Gearing up to tackle challenges

Ramaphosa said the cabinet reshuffle ‘comes at a time when the country is facing several challenges and we are called upon to undertake several tasks at once’.

He said government is working to ensure peace and stability in South Africa by mobilising resources to rebuild the economy and accelerate the vaccination campaign. “Therefore, we need to make changes to improve government’s capacity to undertake these tasks,” said Ramaphosa.

The reshuffle includes separation of the ministries of human settlements and water and sanitation.

“We are also doing away with the Ministry of State Security and place political responsibility for the State Security Agency in the Presidency.”

The new appointments include former Ekurhuleni executive mayor Mondli Gungubele as the Minister in the Presidency.

Also read: Motshekga visits Free State schools amid 0.5m social-distancing debate

Other appointments

· Communications and Digital Technologies: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

· Defence and Military Veterans: Thandi Modise.

· Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.

· Public Service and Administration: Ayanda Dlodlo.

· Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.

· Tourism: Lindiwe Sisulu.

· Water and Sanitation: Senzo Mchunu.

Deputy ministers

· Pinky Kekana will come in as second deputy minister in the Presidency.

· Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform: Zoleka Capa.

· Communications and Digital Technologies: Philly Mapulane.

· Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Thembi Nkadimeng.

· Health: Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.

· Mineral Resources and Energy: Dr Nobuhle Nkabane.

· Public Service and Administration: Dr Chana Pilane-Majake.

· Small Business Development: Sdumo Dlamini.

· Transport: Sindisiwe Chikunga.

· Water and Sanitation: Dikeledi Magadzi.

As part of measures to improve security services, Ramaphosa said he has appointed a security services advisory expert panel. This follows the recent riots.

The panel will examine aspects of the country’s security response and will make recommendations on strengthening South Africa’s capabilities.

Ramaphosa also appointed Dr Sydney Mufamadi as national security adviser to support the president and National Security Council in the management of the country’s security.

President @CyrilRamaphosa announces changes to the National Executive https://t.co/6anYiFCHRq

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 5, 2021