The budget takes centre stage in Zuma-Gordhan struggle
Analyst warns that sacking one respected finance minister may be regarded as a misfortune, but sacking two looks like a conspiracy against the economy
A year after President Jacob Zuma began feuding with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan over control of the nation’s purse strings, the conflict appears to be coming to a head. When he presents his annual budget in Parliament on Wednesday, Gordhan will seek to keep state spending in check and fend off a junk credit rating. Zuma, meanwhile, wants to spend billions of rand on new nuclear plants and embark on "radical economic transformation" to target yawning racial inequality and widespread poverty. The two men have scrapped over the management of state companies and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as well as a decision by the country’s biggest banks to close accounts of companies controlled by members of the Gupta family, who are in business with the president’s son. Speculation that Gordhan is on the verge of being fired has been fuelled by an announcement that the ANC will install Brian Molefe, former Eskom CEO, as an MP, easing the way for Zuma to name him to his Cabinet. "...
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