Cape Town – Former African Union (AU) Commission Chairwoman, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has been sworn in as new Member of Parliament (MP) in South Africa
amid speculations that she will be promoted to cabinet position.
Parliamentary Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said “Dlamini-Zuma will immediately undergo an induction programme and be provided with necessary tools of trade to assist her with carrying out her parliamentary duties without delay.”
It had been speculated that the deployment of Dlamini-Zuma in Parliament would be used as springboard to propel her to cabinet position in an imminent cabinet reshuffle.
However, Dlamini-Zuma, emerging from the swearing ceremony, told reporters that she had no idea of a cabinet reshuffle.
She said “as far as I’m concerned, I’m coming as a Member of Parliament. I’ve been sworn in. That’s all I know.”
Dlamini-Zuma is seen as President Jacob Zuma’s preferred successor in the 2019 general elections.
According to opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), Dlamini-Zuma’s elevation to MP and likely a cabinet minister seems to be a carefully orchestrated move to buttress her presidential campaign.
DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen said “it amounts to nothing less than state resources being used to support a candidate for ANC presidency.”
According to the DA, the decision to send Dlamini-Zuma to parliament also seems to precipitate yet another cabinet reshuffle.
“Those members of Zuma’s cabinet who were outspoken against Zuma, and those who belong to the rebellious South African Communist Party (SACP), are certain to be fired by Zuma in the cabinet reshuffle,’’ the DA said. (Xinhua/NAN)
