The Citizen reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s move to put embattled Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize on special leave has been cautiously welcomed. But, replacing him with Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane in an acting capacity, despite her lacking a medical background, has been questioned by some.

Mkhize is embroiled in the R150 million Digital Vibes Covid-19 communications scandal. While credited for her hard work in the tourism portfolio – hardest hit by the impact of Covid-19 – experts were divided on Ramaphosa’s choice of Kubayi-Ngubane for health, which has put her at the centre of the country’s response to the pandemic. The Council for the Advancement of the SA Constitution’s (Casac’s) Lawson Naidoo said Kubayi-Ngubane’s lack of a medical background was immaterial, but that good advice given to Kubayi-Ngubane would be key in a temporary acting appointment. Political analyst Ralph Mathekga believes that deputy health minister Dr Joe Phaahla would have been “capable enough to handle the department”. University of Pretoria academic Roland Henwood, said: “To me, this is a strange arrangement because I am not sure whether she is the strongest option… Considering that Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Dr Aaron Motsoaledi were previously health ministers, but overlooked, it may indicate that the president may take a stronger role in health through her.” Institute for Global Dialogue political analyst Sanusha Naidu was equally surprised, saying: “The announcement of acting minister Kubayi-Ngubane caught us all by surprise because she was not one of the names speculated. Understandably, deputy minister Dr Phaahla cannot serve in the acting position because he is not a member of Cabinet. This is a portfolio which is at the centre of the pandemic. It is hard to understand the president’s reasoning.”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Brian Sokutu at The Citizen

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