National
Did the Presidency just prank South Africa?─── 14:19 Wed, 01 Apr 2015
Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma's announcement on Wednesday of three new additions to Cabinet has created speculation over whether it was an elaborate April Fool's prank.
However, Presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj confirmed the appointments when asked by News24.
A media release sent out by the Presidency after midday stated that former minister in the presidency, Essop Pahad, who held that position from 1999 to 2008, has been appointed as the new Minister in the Presidency responsible for Public Participation and Interface.
Former Minister of Defence, Charles Nqakula, was appointed as Minister of Roads and Traffic Affairs, and ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa was appointed Deputy Minister for Social Cohesion and Nation-Building.
The statement caused a frenzy on social media, with news organisations and journalists questioning whether it was a joke.
New Cabinet appointments http://t.co/BYVtgnZ0mU
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 1, 2015
Journos tend to have a sense of humour. But this April Fool's "Joke" is stupid: "@PresidencyZA: New Appointments: http://t.co/t1X1HS8oLA"
— Daniëlla van Heerden (@DanniTwiet) April 1, 2015
Lol , best April fools joke of them all RT@PresidencyZA: New Cabinet appointments http://t.co/Y9NyygQGt1
— The Chosen One (@CpheDexter) April 1, 2015
