End of the Thabo Mbeki era

[Dave A]

I'm not sure whether to call it the end of the Mbeki era or the start of the Zuma era. But Thabo has tendered his resignation.

So what now?

It looks like we'll have an interim acting President, but it is definitely a time to look forward. What can we expect for the next few years?

Personally, I'm not too sure
Does anyone have a best guess?

[Morticia]

And a bigger broom I would imagine....

[Dave A]

Given the nature of how things have developed so far, I think one word might well become associated with a JZ era - "decisive"!

At work I had one staffer who was nothing less than absolutely jubilant. I asked why and his expectation is that this will be good for development in Kwazulu Natal. Something of a regional view I guess, but his view was that the Eastern Cape has received an unfair priority for development at the expense of particularly Kwazulu Natal.

[Dave A]

Watching developments during the day, I'd suggest the one to watch is JZ's no.2. Nothing like being in the background during a messy period of politics, just ready to step in and clean up the pieces.

Odds are Kgalema Motlanthe will end up being the new State President on Thursday. Now if he does a good job, what chances he stays on in the role?

[Morticia]

My guess? Less than zero, and this for a very simple reason - his initials are not JZ......

[Dave A]

I'm not quite as certain as you are, Morticia.

But maybe what we should look at is what this all might mean from a business point of view. For me one of the issues that does stand out is the prospects of labour regulation reform. There seems little prospect of an easing of labour regulation to open up prospects of reducing unemployment.

[Morticia]

Just heard 11 cabinet ministers INCLUDING Trevor Manuel has resigned.... interesting times as Terry Pratchett would say!

[Morticia]

Chin up, tomorrow is a Public Holiday.......

[Dave A]

Just heard 11 cabinet ministers INCLUDING Trevor Manuel has resigned....

An interesting diversion in ANC political games has just got very serious.

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel is among eleven Cabinet ministers and three deputy ministers who have tendered their resignations.

Their letters of resignation had been received by President Thabo Mbeki "which, regretfully, he has had to accept", the presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

Among them was Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who had earlier in the day made her own announcement. Another resignation was that of Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, who has been expected to leave office ever since the ANC's decision on Saturday to recall Mbeki.

The other ministers whose resignations were announced on Tuesday were those of: defence, Mosiuoa Lekota; intelligence, Ronnie Kasrils; correctional services, Ngconde Balfour; public enterprises, Alec Erwin; science and technology, Mosibudi Mangena; public works, Thoko Didiza; provincial and local government, Sydney Mufamadi; and public service and administration, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi.

The deputy ministers who resigned are those of: foreign affairs, Aziz Pahad; finance, Jabu Moleketi and correctional services, Loretta Jacobus.

"The resignations will be effective from the day that the president's resignation takes effect[ Thursday]," the presidency said.
full story from IOL here

The markets have been steady on info that indicated Trevor Manuel would be staying. Watch the markets react now!

[Graeme]

Trevor Manuel has resigned, but has intimated that he is prepared to stay on, if asked.