I am still Minister of Finance: Gordhan
Pravin Gordhan says he is still Finance Minister amid speculation that President Jacob Zuma is set to reshuffle his cabinet, and axe him in the process.
Gordhan confirmed to media outside the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that he is still in his position.
When asked about reports that he met with ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe this morning, Gordhan confirmed that he was at Luthuli House to have a discussion. He did not respond to a question about the possible cabinet reshuffle.
""I was there to have a discussion, we had a discussion and we left...that you must ask the president," Gordhan replied.
Gordhan is back in the country after President Jacob Zuma instructed him and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, to cancel their investment promotion roadshow to the United Kingdom and the United States.
He says no reason has been given for his recall.
The minister is at court where he is seeking a declaratory order confirming he could not intervene in a dispute between Gupta-owned Oakbay Investments and four banks.
COSATU General Secretary Bheki Ntshalinshali says the recall of the finance minister from his investor roadshow overseas has embarrassed the country.
Ntshalintshali says they were not consulted by Zuma on the decision which sparked speculation Gordhan will be removed from his post.
Ntshalintshali has warned that if the president is considering a cabinet reshuffle - it shouldn't be a unilateral decision.
"In terms of the Constitution, it is a prerogative of the president to reshuffle and appoint ministers. Politically for Cosatu, this is not only the power of the president. There's an executive and the top 6. Together they are going to have to appoint and take out ministers. If ministers aren't performing - there's a performance contract between the minister and the president. It would be interesting to see the reason for taking these ministers out of their position," he said.