“During his tenure as Minister of Finance‚ Mr Nene served the people and government of South Africa with diligence and ability. Under difficult circumstances and often under great pressure‚ he consistently defended the cause of proper financial management and clean governance.
“It is a measure of his character and his commitment to the national interest that he has taken this decision to resign in the wake of errors of judgment‚ even though he has not been implicated in acts of wrongdoing. I wish to take this opportunity to thank him for his service to the nation‚” said Ramaphosa.
Turning to Mboweni‚ Ramaphosa said he was coming in at a time when “strong and capable” leadership was required to transform and rescue the ailing economy.
“This moment calls for strong‚ capable and steady leadership that will unlock new opportunities as we grow and transform our economy. I am confident that Mr Mboweni will provide that leadership‚” he said. Ramaphosa also lamented that nobody was above the scrutiny of the state capture commission of inquiry.
“It is critical that the commission has the means and opportunity to effectively fulfil its mandate. In this process‚ no person should be above scrutiny‚ and all relevant and credible accusations of wrongdoing should be thoroughly investigated.