As South Africans await the election results after flocking to the polls today, here are what economists think President Cyril Ramaphosa should do — and promptly — if the ANC comes out on top. Cabinet reshuffle At the top of Ramaphosa’s agenda will be his first big test: the make-up and size of the Cabinet which is likely to be announced in about two weeks. A reshuffle that elevates more of Ramaphosa’s allies would be a sign that he has won over some of his critics, Capital Economics economist John Ashbourne says. Given that appointments are controlled by the party as well as the president, there likely won’t be any big changes. However, the replacement of Zuma-era appointees with new faces would suggest that that the election has strengthened the president’s hand. Another sign will be Ramaphosa’s appointment of special advisors, according to Ashbourne. “The individuals he chooses will say much about his reform ambitions and whether he is able to sideline his opponents,” Absa econom...

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