The Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) Paul Mashatile, addressed the National Union of Mineworkers in what appeared to be a moment to truly showcase himself following the resignation of his predecessor, David Mabuza as a Member of Parliament.

Many view this as the process that was discussed ahead of time to ease the country into having Mashatile as the Deputy President of the country.

With the much-awaited cabinet reshuffle on the horizon, Mashatile expressed that this would take place "in the coming days" adding that the Minister of Electricity would be appointed in the next seven days.

Mashatile said President Cyril Ramaphosa had indicated that he planned to appoint an electricity minister in the next seven days to deal with the country's load-shedding crisis.  

Speaking to the NUM, Mashatile emphasised the party being against the privatisation of state-owned enterprises, and spoke on the use of coal as the encouraged source of energy, adding that renewable energy sources are still being explored.

With the country awaiting Ramaphosa’s address, the President’s Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya spoke on the cabinet reshuffle and said that the President is still applying his mind.

Meanwhile, with five members of Parliament from the ANC having been sworn in over the past few weeks, there are talks of the reshuffle seeing the current Minister of Police, Bheki Cele being moved to deal with the country’s intelligence.

Could the resignation of Mabuza signify the nearing of the cabinet reshuffle, moreover, will this happen in the seven days we are set to wait for the announcement of the Minister of Electricity?