Gordhan, Jonas recall 'a government matter'

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Secretary General, Gwede Mantashe was reporting back to the media on the outcomes of the party's weekend NEC meeting.

This morning, President Jacob Zuma ordered Pravin Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas to immediately return from their investor roadshow in the UK and US.

Mantashe was asked whether or not the recall from the trip was discussed by the NEC at any point. 

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"Calling the Minister back was not an issue for the NEC. There can be nothing in the NEC that is linked to calling the Minister back. That is a government matter - we don't know how it is done. Is it because there was no permission or permission is rescinded? We are not aware," he said.

Zuma's recall of Gordhan and Jonas from their trip has sparked speculation a cabinet reshuffle is on the cards.

The presidential escort unit was spotted at Luthuli House by the media this afternoon.

Mantashe was asked whether the president was there to inform them of a possible reshuffle in his cabinet - but he would not be drawn into the matter.

"Speculating on the Gupta case and the reshuffle belongs to what we call speculation," he said.