Sir
Dear Mr President, the grapevine is abuzz with news that you’re thinking of playing a national game of Russian roulette with cabinet – pun intended. I understand your desire to reshuffle.
Why would you retain the services of minister Pravin Gordhan, a fiscal conservative stymieing your energetic expenditure programme? Why would you tolerate the likes of Derek Hanekom who joined in at a SaveSA protest in support of your removal? Who would put up with their intransigence, especially if you have a proven cadre in the calibre of Brian Molefe suddenly in the job market since being shown by the Public Protector to be frequenting your Saxonwold war-room on “white monopoly capital”?
For starters, you (on the ANC’s behalf) could deploy two deputy presidents, one focused on foreign affairs and our African relations in particular and the second on our domestic governance and the economy. As you know, relations with Nigeria are a little strained and with Morocco now in the African Union we need a statesman abroad to represent our leadership in the region and the globe. May I suggest Cyril Ramaphoza for this role. He is articulate, has a brilliant mind and has the personality of a global leader. Why don’t we make Pravin Gordhan VP for the domestic agenda, a de facto prime minister? The people trust him, he gets the economy and he’s a tough boss, apparently. Ok, I know this won’t unite the ANC and ANC unity is crucial to retaining power, so let’s give Naledi Pandor the Presidency. She is a battle-hardened public servant. She has a view into the technological dimension of future national competitiveness and understands the role of education. Pull Tito Mboweni out of political retirement to run the National Treasury with Mcebisi Jonas as his deputy. Tito handles the politics and Jonas runs the place. To me it sounds like continuity and stability, the business sector would love it. Then, merge the DTI, Economic Development and the Department of Labour to create a single ministry on the economy, a NEDLAC-style one-stop shop and fast-tack David Makhuru to run it with Rob Davies as his deputy. Minister Davies knows what the economy needs and Makhura has proven himself to be an efficient, straight-up public servant with a penchant for accountability to the people. Investor confidence will spike and we’ll have the growth we need so desperately. Imagine having Tuli Madonsela run the department of justice! Alongside the likes of Moegoeng Moegoeng at the Constitutional Court, our judiciary will be in good hands – you know – the humble, gentle kind that aren’t easily bullied. As for the state owned enterprises, merge these with public works and create a single department at the core of enabling our envisioned “developmental state”. Minister Lindiwe Sisulu could lead this. She is tough and a powerful leader with impressive experience. Given the size of the portfolio, call up Parks Tau to be her deputy. Now there is a young cadre with poise and a good mind. The experience of Mrs Sisulu and the youthful vigour of Mr Tau, wow. The SOEs would hum! As for health, Minister Motsoaledi has some impractical ambitions but he understands health and is someone you can work with. Pull some of the big guns in private healthcare around him in a council of sorts and he’ll be a strong anchor in his current role.
As for Home Affairs, surely this can be merged with Cooperative Governance to create a more seamless interface with the public. Similarly, Water and Energy are distinct yet intertwined. They are the bedrock of our national systems for sustainability and growth. Zweli is relatively young, strong politically and with the right team, could turn these systems around. Let Lynne Brown stay on as his deputy, she knows the terrain and is a strong executive and administrator. Now for the sensitive matter of State Security. Here trust and street smarts make all the difference. Definitely David Mabuza, a solid guy who won’t be manipulated. For good measure, why don’t we show some largess and forgive Bheki Cele for his mistakes in the police and let him back up Mabuza as deputy.
For South Africa to succeed we will need strong friendships with other states. Our diplomatic core is being eroded and its time for a new chapter at DIRCO. Why don’t we move Jeff Radhebe to this portfolio, with Paul Mashatile as his deputy. Think about it, ever the diplomat, the soft-spoken Radhebe with the clear-minded Mashatile, what a combination. Let Zizi Kodwa go and back up minister Siyabonga Cwele, but please, merge telecoms and communication. These are the left and right hands of our future digital economy. Now for education, Sir, this is such a crucial portfolio. Personally, I would pull Joel Netshitenzhe out of retirement for a last hurrah and create a single systems view of education and resource Joel with three deputies; Angie Motshekga stays focussed on basic education, pull Derek Hanekom across to focus on tertiary education. Then, do something radical with secondary – pull in the rising star of Dr Louise van Rhyn, the inspiring social entrepreneur fixing our schools one at a time through partnership with the private sector.
Mr. President, this team, aligned towards a renewed system with schools at the centre of community development would be a winner. Marius Oosthuizen
Lecturer: Strategic Foresight (Leadership, Strategy & Ethics)
Program Manager: Future of Business In South Africa
