OTHER MEMBERS OF THE A-TEAM

TREVOR MANUEL (62) In 1996 Manuel was appointed to the job of finance minister. He remained in the post until 2009, making him one of the world’s longest-serving finance ministers. Although many would’ve loved to have seen him returning to the role, Ramaphosa had other plans for him. Widely respected by foreign investors, he’s now one of the president’s most trusted economic advisers.

JACKO MAREE (62) Under his leadership as CEO of Standard Bank, the group became Africa’s biggest bank in terms of assets. It was also during this time that China made a significant investment in this group. After retiring in 2013 he continued to assist for a while, first as senior banker with client relations as his focus area, and since 2016 as joint deputy chair of the group. Currently he’s chair of Liberty Holdings Limited and Liberty Group Limited. His experience of doing business abroad and fostering client relations will undoubtedly be of great benefit.

MCEBISI JONAS (58) From 2014 to early 2017 he served as deputy minister of finance in Zuma’s cabinet before being fired along with finance minister Pravin Gordhan. Shortly after, Jonas resigned as ANC MP. He told former public protector Thuli Madonsela he’d turned down a bribe from Zuma’s friends, the Guptas, who allegedly promised him he’d be made finance minister if he was willing to dance to their tune. Jonas has a reputation as an anticorruption campaigner so his presence in Ramaphosa’s A-Team could be useful in persuading potential investors SA is serious about clean government.

PHUMZILE LANGENI (43) Like Maree’s, her private sector experience will be a useful contribution to the team. In addition to being chair of the Afropulse group she’s served as a director of several major corporations, including Massmart and Imperial Holdings Limited. She’s also a registered stockbroker,. And having served as an economic adviser to the department of mineral and energy affairs before 2010, she has public sector experience.