Political analyst Susan Booysen has described the cabinet reshuffle made by President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday as one of his last attempts to prepare for life after the ANC’s December elective conference.

“He is loading the cabinet so that‚ should he fall into misfortune in December‚ there should be a more sympathetic cabinet in place who will treat his proxy well‚” Booysen said.

“He is setting up even a more cosy cabinet‚ favourable to him and possibly to Nkosazana [Dlamini-Zuma] than we have had in the past.”

Zuma announced new changes to his cabinet on Tuesday morning.

 The new appointments were:

- Hlengiwe Mkhize is the Minister of Higher Education and Training

- Ayanda Dlodlo is the Minister of Home Affairs

-Mmamaloko Kubayi is the Minister of Communications

-David Mahlobo is the Minister of Energy

-Bongani Thomas Bongo is the Minister of State Security

-Buti Manamela is the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training

Booysen said the cabinet reshuffle was also a show of strength as Zuma faces criticism from all fronts.

“He wants to show his power … He retains those powers to make and break anything that suits his whims. His whims are influenced by where he can create openings‚ positions‚ advantages for his friends‚ family and associates‚ himself included in there‚” Booysen said.

“It is the actions of a president who does not care how much damage he does. It is a president who is further installing more of his cronies into cosy positions to suit his exit from power and to prolong his exit from power. A few of his remaining severe critics‚ like Blade Nzimande‚ are now out. He punished Blade and creates a softer portfolio there.”