Half of Cabinet walks

By Candice Jones, ITWeb online telecoms editor

Johannesburg, 23 Sep 2008

The Presidency has confirmed that 11 ministerial resignations have been accepted. Among them are public enterprises minister Alec Erwin and public service and administration (DPSA) minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, both of whom have had significant influence over the ICT sector.

Mosibudi Mangena, minister of science and technology, has also vacated his post, after he was recalled by the Azanian People's Organisation yesterday.

However, communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri seems to be sticking to her portfolio for now.

According to a statement by the presidency, the resignations will be effective from the day president Thabo Mbeki's resignation takes effect. "All the ministers have expressed their availability to assist the incoming administration in the handover process and any other assistance that might be sought from them."

Another shock to the country is that finance minister Trevor Manuel and his deputy, Jabulani Moleketi, have also resigned, after public reassurances from Manuel that he would not. Local markets are already showing reactionary trading.

ICT fallout

Matsepe-Casaburri, Fraser-Moleketi and Erwin all lost their positions on the national executive committee, after the ANC's national conference in Polokwane, at the end of last year. Analysts have said it was because all three have been sitting comfortably in Mbeki's "inner circle".

At the moment, Matsepe-Casaburri seems to be flying low under the radar and has not yet released any information about what she plans to do next. However, the ministry has indicated that if there were an official statement, it would be made public.

Similarly, the DPSA has declined to comment on Fraser-Moleketi's resignation. She has held her portfolio for just under 10 years and, during that time, became government's patron of the Free Software and Open Source Foundation for Africa.

Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Lindsey Mc Donald said yesterday that, while there have been some hiccups in the department, primarily in operational cost management, Fraser-Moleketi has done a good job.

Political analyst at the Wits graduate school of public and development management professor Susan Booysens says be that as it may, there are many people who are eyeing Fraser-Moleketi's portfolio. "Besides, she is young and has good opportunities outside government."

Infraco secure

Likewise, Erwin has had a significant impact on the ICT sector during his last four years in office. The minister has been the primary hand and champion of the much-anticipated Broadband Infraco project.

The company was birthed to ensure higher ICT penetration and affordable broadband connectivity in SA.

Booysens says the ICT industry should not be concerned about certain projects, including Broadband Infraco, since the next administration will want to prove itself.

She says that, while there has been criticism regarding many other aspects of Mbeki's governance, ICT has never been questioned. "It is more likely the next portfolio-holder will want to show they will continue with ICT development."

IDC programme director Richard Hurst agrees that the project will not be discarded; however, he says success will depend on who takes over the portfolio. "Erwin has really been a champion in a cause and, the question is, will his successor be as enthusiastic about the project as he was?"

The resignations

* Trevor Manuel - finance
* Essop Pahad - presidency
* Ronnie Kasrils - intelligence
* Ngconde Balfour - correctional services
* Alec Erwin - public enterprises
* Mosibudi Mangena - science and technology
* Thoko Didiza - public works
* Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi - public service and administration
* Sydney Mufamadi - provincial and local government

Also on the list is Mbeki's deputy, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Deputy ministers who have resigned are:

* Aziz Pahad - foreign affairs
* Jabu Moleketi - finance
* Loretta Jacobus - correctional services