Zuma’s plan to fire Gordhan and replace him with Molefe revealed: report
SACP deputy secretary general Solly Mapaila has confirmed reports that president Jacob Zuma approached the party with his plan to fire and replace finance minister Pravin Gordhan, using a so-called “intelligence report” as the basis.
According to a report by the Times, Mapail said that Zuma wanted to reshuffle both Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas out of National Treasury and replace the former with Brian Molefe.
Zuma reportedly told the SACP leaders that Gordhan and Jonas may be acting against the interests of the country – a statement that has been widely reported to be sourced from an apparent “intelligence report”, which claims Gordhan has been conspiring with foreign powers against the state.
Speaking to Times Media, Mapaila said that he wanted to put it on record that the SACP stood opposed to Zuma’s plan and that he was not breaking confidentiality, because the information had already been leaked to the media.
He expressed full confidence in Gordhan and Jonas and said the SACP leaders told Zuma to give them the benefit of the doubt, instead of believing a “rogue intelligence” report.
According to other reports, Zuma also met with the ANC top 6 over the same matter, to inform them of his intent to fire Gordhan and replace him with Molefe.
However, ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe denied talk of a reshuffle, saying that, while all six were at Luthuli House on Tuesday when Gordhan arrived back in the country, there was no discussion around a reshuffle.
Insiders countered this account, though, revealing that the discussion took place, and that the ANC top 6 were split. The SACP’s confirmation adds credence to the insider leaks.
According to the Times report, those who are against Zuma’s plan – deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, Mantashe and treasurer general Zweli Mkhize – questioned why the focus was only on Gordhan, and not on under-performing ministers, such as Bathabile Dlamini and Faith Muthambi.
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