Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma has spoken for the first time about the so-called looming cabinet reshuffle that surfaced two weeks ago.
Speaking to the media after pre-SONA business investor luncheon in Cape Town, Zuma dismissed the looming cabinet reshuffle which, according to media reports, is expected be done after his State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for Thursday.
He told the media this afternoon to forget about the cabinet reshuffle and insisted that he knew nothing about it.
Zuma also stated that there has been speculation about cabinet reshuffle since last year, but it never happened.
"Forget about it. I will tell you when I need to tell you," Zuma said.
When asked how he would inform the media, Zuma said: "If I have your number I will or I will put it on Twitter."
He laughed as his aides and bodyguards led him away from an impromptu interview following a meeting he hosted for organised business and labour at Grand View Casino ahead of SONA on Thrsday.
It was the first time Zuma comment about the cabinet reshuffle speculation since it surg-faced two weeks ago.
This was contrary to previous occasions where his office would immediately dismiss such reports.
Reports have suggested that former Eskom chief executive officer Brian Molefe heading for Parliament after the ANC in North West made a request to the Luthuli house for his name to be included on the list of its MPs .
It was also reported that a cabinet reshuffle was on the cards after Zuma delivered his SONA with Molefe tipped to replace incumbent Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
Former AU chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was apparently set to be accommodated in the new-look cabinet.
Zuma fired then finance minister Nhlanhla Nene and replaced him
He was forced to reverse the appointment of Van Rooyen's appointment and appointed Gordhan instead.