Lol! Spokesperson mixes up names of ministers in South Africa

President Zuma has gotten on the wrong side of this countrymen — President Zuma succumbs to pressure

Many would understand her plight though as she was trying to introduce South Africa’s third finance minister in five days.

Last Wednesday, December 9, President Jacob Zuma annouced the sack of Nhlanhla Nene. He then named David Van Rooyen as his replacement.

“I have decided to remove Mr Nhlanhla Nene as Minister of Finance, ahead of his deployment to another strategic position,” the president said in a statement.

Mr Van Rooyen was promptly sworn in the next day even as many raised eyebrows about the president’s decision.

Fast forward to Sunday night, Zuma appointed Pravin Gordhan to replace Rooyen.

This time the president said “I have received many representations to reconsider my decision, as a democratic government, we emphasise the importance of listening to the people and to respond to their views.”

So it is, maybe, understandable that the spokeswoman introduced Pravin Gordhan as Nhlanhla Nene as the new minister prepared to address a press conference Monday morning.