Shock as Zuma ''removes" Nene
Reaction is streaming in from across the country after President Jacob Zuma's dismissal of Finance Minister, Nhlanla Nene.
MP David van Rooyen has been announced as his successor.
Many South Africans have taken to social media to express their shock at the announcement.
While little is known about Van Rooyen he is the former Executive Mayor of Merafong Municipality and holds a Masters degree in Public Development and Management.
Many on social media questioned Van Rooyen's experience while others questioned why he was singled out in the cabinet reshuffle.
Also read: Rand plummets after Nene dismissed and Judgement reserved in SAA bid to gag media
Members of opposition parties have also expressed their shock at the news.
Democratic Alliance Leader Mmusi Maimane tweeted that van Rooyen's appointment "provides no assurance that our economy is in safe hands" while others including Mbhazima Sholiwa and Helen Zille questioned the timing of the announcement, suggesting a possible link to the embattled South African Airways and its Chairperson Dudu Myeni who is also chairperson of the Jacob Zuma Education Trust.
Nene and Myeni have been at loggerheads recently.
The former Finance Minister is said to have issued a stern warning to the SAA board that should it proceed with a restructuring deal without his permission it would amount to financial misconduct with consequences for the directors.
See reaction from some political leaders below:
President Zuma has again proven himself to be a President incapable of making the right decisions.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) December 9, 2015At this time, our country requires strong economic leadership. Tonight’s decision is the complete opposite.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) December 9, 2015What? Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene fired by Zuma? He did not take instructions. That's why. Now watch the economy crash. #Zumanomics
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) December 9, 2015Pres Zuma doesn't understand the depth of the crises he has unleashed by firing Nhlanhla Nene. New Minister was unable 2 run a municipality.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) December 9, 2015A declaration of a crises indeed, his party must now remove him. #ZumaMustFall
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) December 9, 2015Wow #NeneFired... Reaĺly suprising and interesting times in South Africa.
Dudu Myeni is in control!
— Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP (@MkhulekoHlengwa) December 9, 2015Prerogative in the absence of accountability or explanation becomes a runaway train. Re: #Nene
If you don't believe me #AskTheRand
— Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP (@MkhulekoHlengwa) December 10, 2015When Nhlanhla #Nene's fate was decided...
Dudu #Myeni is in control, calling the shots willy-nilly!!! pic.twitter.com/4XFTk0lwiB
— Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP (@MkhulekoHlengwa) December 10, 2015So Nhlanhla Nene has been fired! Hope there no connection with a strong stance he took on SAA saga - can't help but speculate about that
— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) December 9, 2015I never agreed with Nene policies inherited from GEAR framework but one thing I know about him is that he an honest man - not a thief
— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) December 9, 2015I know the guy who's the new Finance Minister. He was a Mayor when I was Premier. He was a disaster hence he's removal 2 years ahead of 2011
— Mbhazima Shilowa (@Enghumbhini) December 9, 2015If you ever wanted proof of what power Myeni wields you simply have to look at the causality list: Gigaba, Brown and now Nene! Chineke!
— Mbhazima Shilowa (@Enghumbhini) December 9, 2015