Zuma will fire Gordhan after Kathrada’s funeral, Malema claims

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will be replaced by former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe after the funeral of ANC struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema claimed on Tuesday.

In a series of tweets, Malema said ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe had already informed Gordhan of President Jacob Zuma’s intention to replace him with Molefe following his immediate summoning on Tuesday morning to the governing party’s headquarters, Luthuli House, in Johannesburg.

Zuma shocked the markets and Treasury officials on Monday when he abruptly cancelled the ministry’s international investor roadshow to the UK and US this week without providing any reasons behind his move.

Malema said, in one of his tweets, Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, were both targets of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. However, he did not state where he got his information from.

Several reports on Tuesday citing ANC insiders said Zuma had informed the party’s top six leaders and the SACP leadership he plans to fire Gordhan from his Cabinet.

Speaking to reporters outside the Pretoria High Court, Gordhan declined to be drawn into speculation surrounding his possible axing from the executive. He said Zuma was yet to inform him why Treasury’s investor roadshow was halted at the last minute.

Gordhan maintained that he was still the country’s finance minister.

1) When PG met with Gwede this morning the following transpired:
>Gwede told him that the President has decided to reshuffle his Cabinet;

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) March 28, 2017

2) PG & MJ are going to be removed from the Executive; The Top 6 respects the Zuma's prerogative to appoint and dismiss Ministers;

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) March 28, 2017

3) However officials don't think it's a good idea. Speculation is that the duo may be fired tomorrow evening, after Uncle Kathy's funeral.

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) March 28, 2017

5 During the discussion Gwede confirmed that Zuma wants Brian Molefe as Finance Minister.

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) March 28, 2017

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