Cabinet reshuffle: SOS welcomes Nyanda's axing

Critics say Nyanda's poor and controversial leadership at the 'dysfunctional' and 'problematic' ministry of communications has left a bad taste in the broadcasting sector.

"Severely affected by his poor leadership"

"The department of communications has suffered a lot under Nyanda and major organisations, including Sentech and SABC which fall under this ministry, have severely been affected by his poor leadership. And let's not even talk about his conflict with the DG," SOS spokesperson Kate Skinner told Bizcommunity.com last night.

"In terms of the SABC, he did not help matters. His interventions around Robin Nicholson encouraged the board to pursue illegal actions. He said that they should not employ Robin Nicholson when the board had no choice but to employ him.

"The Articles of Association were very clear it had to be someone who was presently one of the three group executives of the SABC."

The coalition has also welcomed Padayachie's appointment at the helm of the ministry, hoping he will engage with civil society and other stakeholders in the view of 'collectively' solving issues affecting the broadcasting sector.

Also served as communications deputy minister

Until recently, Padayachie has been serving as deputy minister of public service and administration, another problematic ministry whose minister Richard Baloyi has survived the president's axe - to the disappointment of unions. Padayachie also served as communications deputy minister under the late minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburi.

Padayachie's deputy will be Obed Bapela, and Ayanda Dlodlo will replace Padayachie as deputy minister at the public service and administration department.

Nyanda, who critics allege that he spent more of his time pursuing his business interests than running the ministry, fought a tooth-and-nail battle with communications director-general Mamodupi Mohlala whom he fired unceremoniously, claiming that their relationship 'broke down'.

Some observers believe Nyanda's fierce critic, Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi, and the whole consortium of leftists will likely be pleased by the reshuffle, seen as Zuma's concessions to the left.

Biggest reshuffle since 1994

Speaking in Pretoria yesterday at the announcement of his cabinet reshuffle - the biggest reshuffle since 1994 and the president's first since coming to power 17 months ago - Zuma said: "We reiterate that we need a national executive and public service that knows where our people live, who fully understand the needs of our people and what we are trying to achieve."

Zuma has also appointed 14 deputy ministers, saying the move was aimed at strengthening some ministries and assisting ministers in carrying out their responsibilities.

The new team will be sworn into office today at 2pm, the Presidency said last night.

For more:

• The Daily Maverick: Analysis: Zuma and his new deck of cards
  
• ITWeb: Interview: Cars not Padayachie's priority
  
• TechCentral.co.za: DA welcomes Nyanda's axing
  
• Bizcommnunity Search: Nyanda
  
• Google News Search: cabinet reshuffle Nyanda

• Twitter Search: Nyanda OR Padayachie