[miningmx.com] — SOUTH Africa’s controversial government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi could be in line to be appointed director general (DG) of mineral resources.
Although it has not yet been confirmed, speculation in government circles is rife that Manyi will be deployed to this critical post after an expected cabinet shake-up.
It is also being speculated that Susan Shabangu, minister of mineral resources, could be replaced by her deputy, Godfrey Oliphant.
Shabangu was appointed as the minister in 2009 but angered the ANC Youth League by declaring that nationalisation would not happen in her lifetime.
Her department has also been plunged into controversy for awarding prospecting rights.
According to reliable information, the chances are “better than good” that Manyi will succeed advocate Sandile Nogxina, who had retired.
“He is the Youth League’s choice and in addition a favourite of the president. Some people in government have for some time applied pressure for Jimmy to take over the post,’ government sources told Beeld.
An appointment could be expected only after this week’s cabinet lekgotla.
Another senior government official said Manyi was definitely being considered as a candidate.
“Some in government are reluctant about having him in the post. But remember the appointment of a DG remains exclusively the president’s prerogative.”
Manyi, who was suspended from the department of labour before his appointment as cabinet spokesperson, has a national diploma in economic geology from the University of the Witwatersrand. He worked for 10 years at Anglo American’s gold department – five years as a practising geologist at the former President Brand gold mine in the Free State, before moving to Anglo’s head office.
Asked for comment, Manyi said he was well qualified for the post of DG but added he knew nothing of the possible redeployment – although he was not at all surprised about the possibility.
“I can’t deny it. I was overseas during the previous cabinet meeting and don’t know if it was discussed,” he said.
“I am a suitable candidate for such a position. None of the mine company boards will be able to fool me.”
According to him, he has not officially been informed about his possible move to the department of mineral resources, but he was asked about it by others last week.
He wouldn’t say who had enquired about it.
His possible move to mineral resources could be an indication that government wants to take the sting out of the nationalisation debate by allowing Manyi to go after stricter empowerment targets.
– Beeld
