PRESIDENCY REJECTS CABINET RUMOURS AND GOSSIP

The Presidency condemns the actions of information peddlers who keep spreading rumours about alleged changes in the Cabinet of President Jacob Zuma.

Ministers serve at the pleasure of the President.  He has the prerogative to hire and fire Ministers at any time. Despite that, the Presidency issued a statement recently communicating that there were no plans to change the Minister of Finance.  Information peddlers have also been spreading false rumours about changes in the Department of Trade and Industry.  A statement was also issued recently rebutting the DTI rumours.

The President and Government are focused on the goal of uniting business, labour, government and the whole country behind the mission of strengthening the economy and reigniting growth during the current difficult economic climate. A lot of progress is being made in this regard and work will continue to fight the slow growth so that jobs can be saved and created.

Update:

RUMOURS OF MINISTER GORDHAN'S ARREST

The Presidency has noted the story in the Sunday Times alleging an imminent arrest of the Minister of Finance. We have also noted the response of law enforcement agencies which have swiftly denied the rumour. It is clear therefore that the story is the work of dangerous information peddlers who wish to cause confusion and mayhem in the country.

President Zuma and the whole of government are focused on the goal of reigniting economic growth, preserving existing jobs and creating more jobs through working together with business and labour. A lot of progress is being made in this regard as was seen in the outcomes of the meeting convened by President Zuma last week. 

Statement issued by Dr Bongani Ngqulunga, The Presidency, 15 May 2016