Finance minister back in S.Africa after Zuma recall

What you need to know:

  • Zuma’s decision to order Gordhan back from Britain in the middle of an investment roadshow led to predictions that Gordhan may soon be sacked -- a move likely to deepen sharp divisions in the ruling ANC party.

Johannesburg. Finance minister Pravin Gordhan returned to South Africa yesterday, officials said, after he was recalled from a trip by President Jacob Zuma, fuelling speculation of a political showdown.

Zuma’s decision to order Gordhan back from Britain in the middle of an investment roadshow led to predictions that Gordhan may soon be sacked -- a move likely to deepen sharp divisions in the ruling ANC party.

Zuma and Gordhan have had an increasingly uneasy relationship in recent months. Zuma has vowed to enact “radical economic transformation” to tackle racial inequality and poverty, while Gordhan has fought to control spending and root out corruption. (AFP)