Question NW346 to the President of the Republic
12 April 2016 - NW346
Maynier, Mr D to ask the President of the Republic
(1) Whether he decided to remove the former Minister of Finance, Mr Nhlanhla Nene, from the finance portfolio on 9 December 2015; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why was he removed; (2) whether he consulted any person (a) before the removal of Mr Nene and/or (b) after the removal of Mr Nene on 9 December 2015; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (i) what is the (aa) name and (bb) designation of each specified person consulted and (ii) why were the specified persons consulted; (3) whether the decision to remove Mr Nene had any implications for the state of the economy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
Reply:
1. It is a matter of public record that Mr Nhlanhla Nene was relieved from his duties as a Minister of Finance on 9 December 2015. It is the prerogative of a sitting President to appoint and change members of his/her Cabinet as he deems necessary. It is the same prerogative enshrined in the Constitution that I exercised on 9 December 2015.
2. Decisions to make changes to the Cabinet are made with the best intentions and for the public interest, including the economy.