Zuko Godlimpi Takes Over as Head of ANC’s Economic Transformation Committee
Zuko Godlimpi has been appointed as the new head of the ANC’s economic transformation committee, replacing Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi. Godlimpi, currently serving as the deputy minister of trade, industry, and competition, is seen as a rising star in the ANC and also holds the position of acting communications head for the party.
The decision to remove Kubayi from her role came after she and other ANC ministers clashed with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during a recent cabinet meeting to discuss the 2025 national budget. The budget speech, which was originally scheduled for 19 February, was postponed due to the lack of consensus on Godongwana’s proposed measures, including a 2% VAT increase to address a R60 billion shortfall. The budget is now set to be presented on 12 March.
The economic transformation committee chair is a crucial position within the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) and is traditionally held by government officials in the economic cluster. Kubayi has been reassigned to oversee NEC deployees in Limpopo, a stronghold for the party.
In addition to Godlimpi’s appointment, several other leadership changes were announced by ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula. Zizi Kodwa has been replaced as the party’s convenor of deployees in KwaZulu-Natal by Limpopo leader Dickson Masemola. Kodwa has been deployed to the Northern Cape as an ordinary NEC member following potential disciplinary action over alleged links to state capture.
Other changes include Pemmy Majodina being removed as Gauteng convenor, with Khumbudzo Ntshaveni taking on the role. The NEC deployments and respective convenors have been outlined as follows: Khumbudzo Ntshaveni (Gauteng), Dickson Masemola (KwaZulu-Natal), Mmamoloko Kubayi (Limpopo), Joe Phaahla (Eastern Cape), Senzo Mchunu (Mpumalanga), Soviet Lekganyane (Free State), Lindiwe Ntshalintshali (Northern Cape), Mdumiseni Ntuli (Western Cape), and Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane (North West).
President Cyril Ramaphosa will chair the ANC’s renewal committee, with various other committees being led by prominent members of the party. These changes come ahead of the ANC’s national general council, scheduled for the second quarter of 2025, where the party will review its policies and strategies moving forward.
