WOOD FOR THE . . .

For those whose job it is to see the political wood for the trees, the removal by President Jacob Zuma of the highly regarded finance pairing of Pravin Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas will undoubtly be the subject of close scrutiny and painstaking analysis. No matter the capabilities of their replacements – Malusi Gigaba (right) and Sfiso Buthelezi – Zuma’s rogue-like reshuffle, has arguably robbed both men of the credibility they need to reassure investors and rating agencies alike that South Africa’s fiscal integrity remains intact.