Everything is falling into place for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet reshuffle, as the Presidency has confirmed that Deputy President David Mabuza has resigned as a Member of Parliament, ending his term as Deputy President of the country.

This follows his request to President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down from the position of Deputy President, which the President announced in his reply to the State of the Nation Address on 16 February 2023.

President Ramaphosa has extended his gratitude and appreciation to Mabuza for his ”exceptional service to the country over the last five years.”

“The Deputy President has undertaken the responsibilities of his office with dedication. I am grateful for the support he has provided to me throughout his term and for the leadership he has provided to the work of Government,” President Ramaphosa said.

“His contribution has been valued by the many constituencies with which he has engaged, including Traditional Leaders, Military Veterans, civil society formations and international bodies. As Leader of Government Business, he has ably managed the relationship between the Executive and Parliament, working to ensure that the transformative legislative programme of this Administration is advanced,” he said.

President Ramaphosa will make an announcement in due course about the appointment of a new Deputy President.

It paves the way for Deputy President of the ANC, Paul Mashatile to be named DP of the country. Mashatile was sworn in as MP last month.

Mabuza’s resignation comes amid Ramaphosa’s imminent Cabinet reshuffle.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was sworn in as a Member of Parliament on Tuesday, making way for President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint a non-MP as part his Cabinet.

It has been speculated that Ramaphosa intends to appoint the current head of the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the South African Presidency, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, as the new Minister of Electricity.

During his State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa said the Minister of Electricity to the Presidency would assume full responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the electricity crisis response.

“The Minister of Electricity will focus full-time and work with the Eskom board and management on ending load shedding and ensuring that the Energy Action Plan is implemented without delay,” he added.

It’s unclear when Ramaphosa will announce the changes to his Cabinet, but it is expected this week.