A hero’s funeral, a controversial cabinet reshuffle and the country diminished to junk status. The events unfolded in quick succession for South Africa. Question is: what’s next?
The last week of March will not be forgotten in a hurry by South Africans. It was the week two big events – one tearful, the other tumultuous – unfolded in quick succession.
Just a day after the funeral of South Africa’s struggle hero Ahmed Kathrada, President Jacob Zuma shocked the nation with an unprecedented – and overnight – reshuffling of 15 cabinet ministers and deputy ministers.
Among those sacked were the country’s finance minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas, revered by many as incorruptible civil servants.
Not only did the President’s move vex his political party, the African National Congress (ANC), it rocked the country’s markets and the rand dipped over 6% overnight.
The whole saga unfolded when Zuma instructed Gordhan to abandon an investor road show he was attending in the United Kingdom.
This happened on Monday, March 27.
Three days later, at midnight, a cabinet reshuffle was announced by Zuma, sending shockwaves that reverberated throughout South Africa, and had social media abuzz.
Despite criticism from his political party and the opposition, Zuma with chutzpah said the reshuffling was an attempt to bring about radical socio-economic transformation and ensure the promise of a better life for the poor and working class becomes a reality.
The new ministers were sworn in Friday night after a failed bid by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to have the Cape Town court ruling against the swearing-in.
The most bizarre was the replacement of Gordhan with 45-year-old Malusi Gigaba, known as a Zuma loyalist.
Bu hikaye Forbes Woman Africa dergisinin April-May 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Forbes Woman Africa dergisinin April-May 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Well-Grounded
Coco Cachalia, whose mother Amina was among the 20,000 in the Women’s March of August 1956, made a decision to stay away from politics – and succeed in business instead.
Art Becomes Her
A celebrated international fine artist, Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi overcame the struggles of apartheid, and her work is grounded in her past.
'Not Just Pro-Women But Pro-Progress'
South Africa’s Minister of Women Susan Shabangu on the significance of the 61st anniversary of Women’s Day, and the role men can play in ending gender violence in South Africa and creating an equal society.
Diversity And Inclusion Are Part Of Baker Mckenzie's DNA
According to Law360’s 2017 Glass Ceiling Report, women make up around one-third of the attorneys in private legal practice. Among the law firms surveyed, just below 23% of partners are female.
We, Men For Women
South Africa still has a long way to go for gender justice in business and in life, but with more men openly stepping forward to be a part of the discourse, FORBES WOMAN AFRICA speaks to two male entrepreneurs, a CEO and a social activist. They acknowledge diversity makes smart social and economic sense that will benefit all.
What, After All, Does Feminism Have To Do With Men?
According to the seminal African-American writer bell hooks (her name is not capitalized), feminism is for everybody.
Blood, Setbacks And Tears
Two sisters with common failures and a dream to eventually succeed.
Fighting To The End
In May, 82 more Chibok girls were released in exchange for Boko Haram prisoners. Oby Ezekwesili, a strong advocate in the campaign to bring them back, has vowed to never stop fighting.
Not Just Hard Work, But Heart Work
As incidents of gender-based violence increase in Africa, those like Nigeria’s Kemi Dasilva-Ibru, are trying to bring relief to stigmatized victims.
Going Down The Spice Route
Essie Bartels worked several odd jobs she hated before opening a company selling mouth-watering spices and sentiments to the world.
