Third South African minister affected by Zuma's reshuffle resigns as MP

Former South African Deputy Minister for Arts and Culture, 73-year-old Rejoice Mabudafhasi has resigned as a Member of Parliament a month after President Jacob Zuma’s reshuffle.

The veteran MP and deputy minister who was replaced during the controversial March reshuffle said it is time for her to rest and her decision was personal, local news portal News24 reported on Tuesday.

Mabudafhasi has been an MP for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) since the first democratic elections in 1994 and has served as deputy minister for over 10 years since 1999 and under different administrations.

A week after the reshuffle, former Transport Minister Dipuo Peters resigned as Member of Parliament followed by former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas who was the deputy finance minister.

Five ministers lost their jobs including Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and five others were given new portfolios.