South African deputy ministers cannot assume full cabinet authority when ministers are absent or suspended, according to international relations expert Moses Kau. The constitutional framework excludes deputy ministers from cabinet membership, which comprises only the president, deputy president, and full ministers. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister after suspending Senzo Mchunu on July 31, bypassing Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale.
Kau explained that ministers have no obligation to consult their deputies on strategic decisions. Mathale testified on Oct. 28 before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee about learning of the Political Killings Task Team's disbandment through social media rather than direct communication. The protocol specialist compared deputy ministers to provincial Members of the Executive Council in terms of hierarchical ranking within government structures.
Kau explained that ministers have no obligation to consult their deputies on strategic decisions. Mathale testified on Oct. 28 before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee about learning of the Political Killings Task Team's disbandment through social media rather than direct communication. The protocol specialist compared deputy ministers to provincial Members of the Executive Council in terms of hierarchical ranking within government structures.
