20101025
reuters

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's government said on Monday it was up to President Jacob Zuma to decide whether to make changes to his cabinet, but declined to address media speculation that key figures could leave in a reshuffle.

The government indicated on Sunday that Trevor Manuel, a former finance minister who now runs the planning ministry, would stay in his post while also taking on a new role assisting Zuma with a pan-African infrastructure development programme.

Local media has speculated that State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, whose wife is on trial for drug trafficking, could also be pushed out of the cabinet.

In a statement on Monday, the government referred to the speculation but declined to say whether any of it was valid.

"We wish to emphasise that any change to the composition of the executive is the prerogative of the president of the Republic of South Africa," the statement read.

"Only the president knows whether or not there will be a reshuffle, what form it would take if there was one, when it would happen if it is to happen and other details."

Although Manuel's departure now seems unlikely, such a move could signal a shift in economic policy. He is seen by the country's influential left as an impediment to their plans for greater state involvement in the economy, more welfare spending and a drastic weakening of the currency.

The ruling African National Congress' governing partners -- the South African Communist Party and the powerful labour federation COSATU -- lost a battle when Manuel was named planning minister over a left-leaning candidate they favoured.

In addition to the embarassment caused by his wife's trial, Cwele has been criticised by opposition MPs for his support of a measure before parliament to place new controls on government secrets, which free speech advocates say is an attempt to muzzle the media and help cover up corruption.