The country and the global financial community have embraced President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet and have said it is well thought of and put together. The sterling track record of former SA Revenue Services commissioner Pravin Gordhan, for example, makes his appointment as finance minister even more assuring. Despite this, markets still reacted slightly negatively as profit taking took place. The rand also weakened slightly against the major currencies earlier this week, indicating the normal human trait of fear of change. What if things go pear shaped? It’s a gamble the financial sector, investors and the Average Joe will have to take. Though almost 100% on the mark, the appointment of certain people to cabinet slightly questionable. Take business heavyweight Tokyo Sexwale’s “hurried” appointment to cabinet, for example. Zuma must have made Sexwale an offer he couldn’t refuse – one good enough for him to resign as top brass of Mvelamphanda Holdings.

Though this is a shining example of good corporate governance, it places a little uncertainty on the purpose of some of the appointments. Is Zuma actually paying his dues? Sexwale was at some point mooted to take Zuma’s place at the head of the presidential race – he reported declined, instead becoming a staunch Zuma fan. His strategic outlook, which has seen him use his political influence to become one of SA’s top black businessmen, may be well applied in the Zuma presidency.

As long as politically-related deals remain just that. Property developers and investors will be watching all the ministers’ moves carefully and will be the first to cry foul if a conflict of interests appears.