Zuma appoints Nqakula presidential political adviser

President Jacob Zuma has appointed former defence and police minister Charles Nqakula his political adviser.

Nqakula served as Minister of Safety and Security from May 2002 to September last year and as Minister of Defence till earlier this month. The new post traditionally includes the duty of speech-drafting.
 

Nqakula has previously served as a Parliamentary Counsellor to former President Thabo Mbeki. The erudite former journalist made little discernable impact on policing during his tenure and did not have the defence brief long enough to influence events there.

Noteworthy of his tenure at defence was his turnaround on the wisdom of some ideas he had taken to Cabinet as police minister, including the use of the military for borderline control, which he had opposed.        

Zuma also appointed somnambulant former trade and industry minister Mandisi Mpahlwa as economic adviser, Ambassador Lindiwe Zulu as international relations adviser, and Advocate Bonisiwe Makhene as legal adviser. Ayanda Dlodlo was appointed as Parliamentary Counsellor to the President.

Zulu is a member of the ANC National Executive Committee has worked in the international relations sphere for several years. She served as ambassador to Brazil until December, after which she joined the ANC in Luthuli House as a spokeswoman during the election campaign.

Dlodlo is a member of the ANC National Executive Committee and is Secretary General of the uMkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association. She is also a former senior executive in the National Prosecuting Authority.

Makhene is currently deputy chief state law adviser in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and will be seconded to the Presidency to perform the legal advisory role.

A statement from Zuma`s office said the group brought “a wealth of experience and expertise to the Presidency and will add much value to the President`s determination to bring about faster change and improved service delivery.”

The statement added Nqakula, Mpahlwa and Zulu will resign from Parliament to take up their positions.

The Star newspaper adds it understands that Zuma will shortly name former National Intelligence Agency director-general Vusi Mavimbela director general in the Presidency. He will also be secretary of the cabinet.