Cautious optimism over Pravin Gordhan's return to finance ministry‚ but concerns too

Newly reappointed Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s promise to protect South Africa’s economy and to ensure state owned companies are placed on a sustainable financial footing have been widely praised on social media this afternoon. But questions remain about his previous term in the post.

Here is a selection of views from economists‚ businesspeople and the public:

Craig Gradidge @gradidgec

Maybe‚ just maybe‚ we consumers here in SA will also get to benefit from the lower oil price #Pravin

Mohammed Nalla @MohammedNalla

Good governance is non-negotiable! I like this comment from #PravinGordhan. I look forward to follow through

Bobby Godsell @BobbyGodsell

#PravinGordhan what an outstanding statement and response to probing questions. Also impressive responses from the DG and Deputy Minister. This is a solid team.

Marc Ashton ?@zamarcashton

This is a very solid press conference from Pravin — it’s going to reassure investors both locally and abroad

Mafika E. Moteka @MafikaEMoteka

#Gordhan should get himself a team of effective professionals who show patriotism to the success of the country... It should be a team who is flexible and will not succumb to any pressure

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi @MbuyiseniNdlozi

Note that Pravin Gordhan is the man who presided over the Nkandla expenditure since 2009 & kept increasing it till 2014- what a joke!

Mbhazima Shilowa @Enghumbhini

Now that Pravin is back‚ how about he takes us into his confidence on the SARS unit and funding for Inkandla.

ETM Analytics @etmanalytics

SA’s credit rating during Gordhan’s 1st stint as Fin Min. What will he do differently to avoid the same outcome?