In a significant restructuring of its internal mechanisms, the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s largest political party, has named Zuko Godlimpi as the new head of its economic transformation committee. This decision marks a departure from the previous leadership of Mmamoloko Kubayi, who has been reassigned from her role as chairwoman. This change was confirmed by ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
Godlimpi, the youngest member of the ANC’s top decision-making body, previously served as deputy to Kubayi and currently holds the position of deputy minister of trade and industry in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration. Widely regarded as a potential future finance minister, Godlimpi steps into a crucial leadership role previously held by Enoch Godongwana, the current finance minister.
Kubayi, who recently voiced opposition to the National Treasury’s proposal to raise the value-added tax rate, has requested to step down from her position within the economic transformation committee following her appointment to the justice department in December. Her spokesperson, Terrence Manase, confirmed this development.
Stepping into Godlimpi’s previous role as the deputy on the panel is Sihle Zikalala, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition. This leadership shuffle comes at a pivotal moment, as the ANC navigates key economic policy decisions amid ongoing challenges and debates within the party and the broader political landscape of South Africa.