A spokesman for South African president Jacob Zuma has denied rumours Minister of Communications Dina Pule is to be fired in an imminent reshuffle.
HumanIPO reported yesterday speculation in the Sunday Times Pule was set to be replaced by Lindiwe Zulu in response to criticism over her handling of several issues.
In a statement released last night, South Africa’s presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj dismissed the rumour, calling it “carefully orchestrated”.
“The rumour and speculation are mischievous and will not distract government from the main activity this coming week, the State of the Nation Address by the President,” Maharaj said.
Zuma is set to address the country on Thursday, February 14, in the annual address, laying out the government’s programme for the next year.
Pule has faced controversy over allegations she channeled sponsorship money for last year’s ICT Indaba to an alleged boyfriend, Phosane Mngqibisa, while there have been several extensions to the digital migration deadline and little progress in freeing spectrum for next generation broadband.
The minister herself has also denied the speculation, which claimed she had asked for an ambassadorial role after learning of her imminent sacking.
