Long-serving ministers Naledi Pandor, Bheki Cele, Thandi Modise, and Thulas Nxesi will not return to Parliament after the ANC lost 71 seats in the recent election, reports said on Tuesday.
According to EWN, the ministers did not make the cut on the list published by the Electoral Commission of South Africa, which will be handed to the chief justice in a special ceremony on Thursday.
The list of designated members also sees uncertainty for Zizi Kodwa following his court appearance for corruption charges and resignation as sports, arts, and culture minister.
Former ministers Malusi Gigaba and Dina Pule, both previously involved in corruption scandals, are making unexpected returns, the report said.
Newcomers to Parliament include ActionSA’s Athol Trollip, Build One South Africa’s Mmusi Maimane, the Patriotic Alliance’s Gayton McKenzie, the National Coloured Congress’ Fadiel Adams, and Rise Mzansi’s Songezo Zibi.
Jabulani Khumalo and Duduzile Zuma from the MK Party are also set to be sworn in despite ongoing legal battles, said the report.
Naledi Pandor, Bheki Cele, Thandi Modise and Thulas Nxesi among ministers who will not be returning to Parliament.. pic.twitter.com/NBEhLM3C2O
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) June 5, 2024
Internet users commented on the post shared by MDN News with many saying:
Both Bheki Cele & Thulas Nxesi were the most useless ministers SA has ever encountered cele was afraid of criminals while Nxesi was afraid of foreigners.
South Africa is finally free form the chains of useless ministers pic.twitter.com/3X8cj9eL4k
— 🎙Tebogo Koma🎙 (@TheGeopol) June 5, 2024
Another user noted:
Naledi Pandor asked to be excused earlier in the year already!
— Billions4Her2 (@MsKabzela) June 5, 2024
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
First published on African Insider
Also see: ‘I will die in the ANC,’ says MK leader Jacob Zuma
