ANC welcomes Gordhan's return

The African National Congress on Monday welcomed the appointment of Pravin Gordhan as the new finance minister.

The decision was made due to public concern and the need for someone with the experience to champion the country's fiscal policy, and who could reassure the markets, ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said in a statement.

President Jacob Zuma on Sunday announced that Gordhan would be back in the portfolio, five days after David van Rooyen was sworn into the post. Van Rooyen replaced Nhlanhla Nene.

Kodwa said Zuma’s decision to appoint Gordhan showed government was responsive and accountable.

“The ANC commends the public for vocal engagement of government on the appointment of the minister of finance. As an organisation, the ANC values public activism on matters of public interest.

“Public concern around the appointment of the finance minister demonstrated the value our nation has attached to past deployment by President Zuma's administration and an involved, concerned and activist citizenry on the future of our economy,” Kodwa said.

After Van Rooyen was appointed on Wednesday evening, the ANC said it respected Zuma's decision.

“We believe his experience and tenure as the ANC National Assembly Whip for both the finance portfolio committee and ANC caucus's economic transformation cluster will enable him to provide the necessary leadership in the department,” Kodwa said in a statement at the time Van Rooyen was appointed.