Minerals Council Notes Timely Cabinet Reshuffle

The Minerals Council South Africa notes the cabinet reshuffle and other new arrangements announced last night by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Following the violent events in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng last month, the changed arrangements and personnel in the security cluster are timely. We can only hope that they lead to a situation where those planning any future disruptive activities have their plans prevented and nipped in the bud. We also hope that the expert panel appointed to review government’s response to the events is able to work quickly and effectively to facilitate further reforms that may be required.

The Minerals Council has had many dealings in the past decade with new Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in his capacity as ANC head of economic transformation. We welcome his selection to this critical post, and recognise the very valuable role played by former Minister Tito Mboweni, particularly in advocating fiscal constraints. We look forward to Minister Godongwana’s efforts to improve the difficult fiscal situation the country continues to face, notwithstanding the improved revenue collections for which our industry is partially responsible. We trust that any new policies that the National Treasury is asked to finance will be based on fiscal sustainability.

The Minerals Council wishes new Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla all strength in the continuing battle against COVID pandemic, and the other more long-term challenges faced by the health sector. The Minerals Council and the industry as a whole commit to playing their part in assisting wherever possible.

The Minerals Council also welcomes the appointment of new Mineral Resources and Energy Deputy Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, following the sad death in 2019 of her predecessor Bavelile Hlongwa.

Says CEO Roger Baxter: “The new members of President Ramaphosa’s team enter office with very serious responsibilities given the country’s deep economic, security and health crises. The Minerals Council wishes them all the best. And we particularly look forward to developing a constructive working relationship with Deputy Minister Nkabane in the very near future.”