Angie Motshekga’s Appointment As Defence Minister Sparks Debate
- The former minister of basic education, Dr Angie Motshekga's new portfolio raised eyebrows
- President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed her as the new Minister of Defence, much to the surprise of many
- Briefly News spoke to Professor Zwelinzima Ndevu from the Stellenbosch University's School of Public Leadership about her appointment
- South Africans denounced the appointment, and many slammed her lack of experience in the military or defence sector
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Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, the State of the Nation Address, politician-related news and elections at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years.
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JOHANNESBURG — President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Dr Angie Motshekga is the new Minister of Defence, an appointment that left many questioning both Ramaphosa and Motshekga.
Motshekga appointed as the Minister of Defence
Motshekga is one of the new ministers Ramaphosa recently announced. The Government of National Unity saw Motshekga move from her portfolio of Basic Education to the Ministry of Defence.
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According to TimesLIVE, Motshekga has no military experience and has served in the education portfolio since her appointment in 2009. Her deputy, Bantu Holomisa, has military experience as a general for the Transkei Defence Force during the apartheid era.
Professor Ndevu weighs in with Briefly News
Briefly News spoke to Professor Zwelinzima Ndevu from the Stellenbosch University's School of Public Leadership, who added his views.
"He appointed all his allies in strategic positions, so it's surprising that the demoted ones are also his people because they will understand his challenges within the ANC,'' he said.
South Africans unhappy with Motshekga's appointment
Netizens on Facebook expressed bitterness at Motshekga's appointment as the minister of defence.
prof Blakkie Swart said:
"Politicians don't take us seriously. But we'll send them a stern warning in the upcoming elections.''
Beth Summers said:
''This is as textbook example of what cadre deployment is. It can be used as an example in a textbook or a lecture, and people will understand the meaning of cadre deployment immediately.''
Sheer Ann said:
''From education to defence, this makes no sense. I wish I knew why and what she has to offer."
Paulus Nzima said:
"I want a day when I will understand the appointment of ministers because they never make sense."
Rato Makgaledisa said:
"Clearly, the country"s security is not a priority to our government."
POPCRU welcomes the appointment of Pieter Groenewald as minister of correctional services
In a similar article, Briefly News reported that the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union welcomed Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald's cabinet appointment.
Groenewald was announced as the country's new minister of defence, and the union applauded his appointment.
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Source: Briefly News
