Enoch Godongwana

Godongwana was born on 9 June 1957{{Cite web |title=Enoch Godongwana, Mr |url=https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/enoch-godongwana-mr-0 |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=South African Government}} in Cala in the former Cape Province, now part of the Eastern Cape.{{Cite web |date=2012-01-17 |title=Going, going, Godongwana |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2012-01-17-going-godongwana/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He matriculated at St John's College in Mthatha,{{Cite web |date=6 August 2021 |title=What you need to know about SA's new minister of finance, Enoch Godongwana |url=https://www.news24.com/fin24/economy/what-you-need-to-know-about-sas-new-minister-of-finance-enoch-godongwana-20210806-2 |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=News24 |language=en-US}} and he completed an MSc in financial economics at the University of London in 1998.{{Cite web |date=6 August 2021 |title=Enoch Godongwana: the party guru on economics |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2021-08-06-enoch-godongwana-the-party-guru-on-economics/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Business Day |language=en-ZA}}

Godongwana began his political career in the trade union movement, beginning as a shop steward for the Metal and Allied Workers' Union in 1979 and rising through the ranks to become an organiser for the National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) between 1983 and 1989. He was Numsa's regional secretary from 1990 until 1993, when he was elected to succeed Moses Mayekiso as its national general secretary. He served as general secretary until 1997, when he stepped down and was succeeded by Mbuyi Ngwenda.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gh9BAQAAIAAJ |title=Southscan |date=1997 |publisher=Southscan |pages=183 |language=en}}

At the same time, he was a member of the executive committee of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) from 1992 to 1997, as well as the chairperson of Cosatu's economic development task force. He was also a founding member of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and represented labour during the drafting of post-apartheid labour legislation, including the Labour Relations Act. The Financial Mail credited Godongwana for bringing Numsa, a notoriously militant and workerist union, "into the Cosatu fold", as well as for setting it up for the major expansion in membership that it subsequently underwent.{{Cite web |date=12 August 2021 |title=A reasonable man: is Godongwana too 'affable' to revive SA's economy? |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/fm/features/cover-story/2021-08-12-a-reasonable-man-is-godongwana-too-affable-to-revive-sas-economy/ |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Financial Mail |language=en-ZA}}

Godongwana left the union movement in 1997 to take office in the Executive Council of the Eastern Cape, appointed by Premier Makhenkesi Stofile as Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Finance, Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism. After the April 2004 general election, his large portfolio was divided and he became MEC for Finance alone, now under Premier Nosimo Balindlela, with the rest of the portfolio given to new MEC Andre de Wet.{{Cite web |date=2004-05-07 |title=Politics of the premiers |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2004-05-07-politics-of-the-premiers/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} In the Executive Council and Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, he represented the African National Congress (ANC), Cosatu's Tripartite Alliance partner.

Between 1998 and 2002, Godongwana instituted a "single government chequebook" in the provincial government, reducing the ability of other departments to pursue discretionary spending. The measure led to improved audit outcomes and facilitated spending cutbacks.{{Cite journal |last=Lodge |first=Tom |date=2005 |title=Provincial Government and State Authority in South Africa |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25065044 |journal=Journal of Southern African Studies |volume=31 |issue=4 |pages=737–753 |jstor=25065044 |issn=0305-7070}}

During his tenure in the provincial government, at the ANC's 50th National Conference in December 1997, Godongwana was elected for the first time to the party's National Executive Committee (NEC). He was re-elected to a second five-year term on the committee in December 2002.{{Cite web |date=20 December 2002 |title=51st National Conference: National Executive Committee as elected |url=https://www.anc1912.org.za/51st-national-conference-national-executive-committee-as-elected/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=African National Congress |language=en-US}} Although his ties to the left wing of the Tripartite Alliance apparently put him at odds with the ANC's incumbent national leadership,{{Cite web |date=2002-11-21 |title=Behind the ANC's crackdown in E-Cape |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2002-11-22-behind-the-ancs-crackdown-in-ecape/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=2002-11-29 |title=Stone was already rolling |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2002-11-29-stone-was-already-rolling/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} he rose in stature in the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC in the Eastern Cape.{{Cite web |date=2002-08-08 |title=Stofile looks set to retain E Cape leadership |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2002-08-08-stofile-looks-set-to-retain-e-cape-leadership/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

On 26 April 2003, he was elected to succeed Stone Sizani as Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the Eastern Cape ANC, deputising Premier Stofile. Godongwana won in a crowded field of candidates, receiving 177 votes against the 125 to Phumulo Masualle, 98 to Mandisi Mpahlwa, and 83 to Thobile Mhlahlo.{{Cite web |date=26 April 2003 |title=Stofile re-elected by wide margin |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/stofile-re-elected-by-wide-margin-20030426 |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=News24 |language=en-US}} The vote followed an earlier iteration of the election – with the same outcome – which had been held in 2002 but annulled and rerun at the request of the NEC.{{Cite web |date=2003-04-04 |title=E Cape ANC elections stalled again |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2003-04-04-e-cape-anc-elections-stalled-again/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He held the Deputy Provincial Chairperson position for a single term, stepping down in December 2006 to be succeeded by Mbulelo Sogoni.{{Cite web |date=2006-12-08 |title='Patronage cost the left' |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2006-12-08-patronage-cost-the-left/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

On 6 September 2004, Premier Balindlela sacked Godongwana as MEC for Finance, replacing him with Billy Nel. Balindlela's office said that his dismissal was related to "a probe into financial irregularities" in the provincial Department of Finance.{{Cite web |date=2004-09-06 |title=Eastern Cape finance minister fired |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2004-09-06-eastern-cape-finance-minister-fired/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Godongwana remained an ordinary Member of the Provincial Legislature until November, when he resigned from his seat.{{Cite web |date=2004-11-12 |title=ANC man quits E Cape govt |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2004-11-12-anc-man-quits-e-cape-govt/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

The reasons for Godongwana's dismissal remained unclear,{{Cite web |date=2005-09-15 |title='Heavy hand' behind hotel deal |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2005-09-15-heavy-hand-behind-hotel-deal/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} and his departure created tensions in the provincial Tripartite Alliance. In 2008, media published a leaked copy of the report of the three-person Pillay Commission, chaired by Judge Ronnie Pillay, which had investigated financial irregularities in the administration of former Premier Stofile. Pillay's report implicated Godongwana, Stofile, and Stone Sizani in maladministration and corruption in their respective departments.{{Cite web |date=11 July 2008 |title=Minister, ANC bosses implicated in corruption |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2008-07-11-minister-anc-bosses-implicated-in-corruption/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Sowetan |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=2008-07-16 |title='No one in the ANC is permanent' |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2008-07-16-no-one-in-the-anc-is-permanent/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} However, the trio rejected Pillay's findings and mounted a court challenge, which succeeded in May 2005 when the Grahamstown High Court discarded the report on review.{{Cite web |date=18 May 2009 |title=Pillay report scrapped |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/pillay-report-scrapped-20090518 |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}

After leaving the provincial government, he served as head of the Financial Sector Charter Council, while also managing various personal business interests; by 2009, he was a director of 24 different companies, including Denel and the Pan African Insurance Group.{{Cite web |date=2009-05-15 |title=Zuma's Cabinet Inc. |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2009-05-15-zumas-cabinet-inc/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Meanwhile, he was re-elected to the ANC NEC at the 52nd National Conference in Polokwane in December 2007. He received 1,891 votes across roughly 4,000 ballots, making him the 34th-most popular member of the 80-member committee.{{Cite web |date=2007-12-20 |title=Shake-up in ANC national executive |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2007-12-20-shakeup-in-anc-national-executive/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He reportedly supported Tokyo Sexwale's abortive presidential campaign ahead of the conference.{{Cite web |date=2007-07-22 |title=The third way |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2007-07-23-the-third-way/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

After the 52nd Conference, the NEC appointed Godongwana to succeed Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi as the chairperson of the NEC's subcommittee on labour.{{Cite web |date=2008-01-20 |title=Deputy president Motlanthe? |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2008-01-21-deputy-president-motlanthe/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite news |date=19 January 2008 |title=ANC subcommittee chairs bode well for economic policy continuity |work=IOL |url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/anc-subcommittee-chairs-bode-well-for-economic-policy-continuity-690745 |access-date=29 July 2023}} However, during the five-year term of the 52nd NEC, that subcommittee was disbanded, and Godongwana took up a highly influential role as chairperson for policy in the subcommittee on economic transformation, the overall chair of which was Max Sisulu.{{Cite web |date=18 December 2012 |title=The state of the ANC – Gwede Mantashe |url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/the-state-of-the-anc--gwede-mantashe |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Politicsweb |language=en}}

On 14 November 2008, Godongwana joined the National Assembly, the lower house of the South African Parliament. He filled a casual vacancy in the seat formerly held by Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, who was among the ministers who resigned after the ANC removed President Thabo Mbeki from office.{{Cite web |date=2009-01-15 |title=National Assembly Members |url=http://www.pmg.org.za/parlinfo/nalist#_ftnref87 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514071402/http://www.pmg.org.za/parlinfo/nalist#_ftnref87 |archive-date=14 May 2009 |access-date=2023-04-08 |website=Parliamentary Monitoring Group}}

Godongwana was re-elected to a full term in the National Assembly in the April 2009 general election, and he was also appointed Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises under the first cabinet of newly elected President Jacob Zuma. In that office, he deputised Minister Barbara Hogan.{{Cite web |date=10 May 2009 |title=Statement by President Jacob Zuma on the appointment of the new Cabinet |url=https://www.gov.za/statement-president-jacob-zuma-appointment-new-cabinet |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=South African Government}} Until the cabinet announcement, he had been touted as a possible choice for appointment as Deputy Minister of Finance.{{Cite news |date=2009-04-24 |title=Zuma's cabinet: "Dr. Beetroot" out, Winnie in? |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-safrica-election-cabinet-snapanalysis-idUSTRE53N25K20090424 |access-date=2023-07-31}}{{Cite web |last=Paton |first=Carol |date=23 January 2009 |title=ANC Politics |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/archive/2009-01-23-anc-politics/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Business Day |language=en-ZA}}

On 31 October 2010, Zuma announced his first cabinet reshuffle, in which Godongwana was moved to succeed Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde as Deputy Minister of Economic Development.{{Cite web |date=31 October 2010 |title=Zuma announces cabinet reshuffle |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2010-10-31-zuma-announces-cabinet-reshuffle/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Sunday Times |language=en-ZA}} The Department of Economic Development had been newly created after the 2009 election and was led by Minister Ebrahim Patel, also a former trade unionist.

Godongwana chaired Canyon Springs Investments 12, a shell company which he jointly owned 50% of with his wife.{{Cite web |date=14 October 2011 |title=Godongwana pension scam - more dirt |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2011-10-14-godongwana-pension-scam-more-dirt/ |access-date=6 August 2021 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=17 June 2011 |title=Godongwana and the missing union millions |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2011-06-17-godongwana-and-the-missing-union-millions/ |access-date=6 August 2021 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Canyon Springs was found to be involved in allegedly defrauding clothing factory workers of R100-million of their pension fund money from 2007 until 2011.{{Cite web |date=20 January 2012 |title=Godongwana resigns amid outrage |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2012-01-20-godongwana-resigns-amid-outrage/ |access-date=6 August 2021 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} His R1.5 million salary was found to be drawn from money loaned by the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (Sactwu) to the company, which loaned money was never returned to the union.{{Cite web |date=26 November 2011 |title=Kawie faces arrest in missing pension money case |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2011-11-26-former-unionist-richard-kawie-faces-arrest/ |access-date=6 August 2021 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He claimed to be unaware of the company's money sources.

Richard Kawie and Sam Buthelezi, other co-owners of Canyons Springs Investment 12, had fraud cases opened against them for not repaying the union's loan.{{Cite web |title=Court declares Sam Buthelezi insolvent |url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/court-declares-sam-buthelezi-insolvent-1915455 |access-date=6 August 2021 |website=www.iol.co.za |language=en}}

On 15 January 2012, presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj said that Godongwana had resigned as Deputy Minister of Economic Development "to pursue personal interests". Godongwana had apparently resigned in early December and been asked to stay on until mid-January.{{Cite web |date=2012-01-16 |title=Godongwana denies quitting over R100m pension scandal |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2012-01-16-godongwana-denies-quitting-over-r100m-pension-scandal/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He also resigned from the National Assembly with effect from 31 December 2011, ceding his seat to Shepherd Mayathula.{{Cite web |title=Members of the National Assembly |url=http://www.pmg.org.za/node/30336 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209085913/http://www.pmg.org.za/node/30336 |archive-date=9 February 2014 |access-date=2 March 2023 |website=Parliamentary Monitoring Group}}

Godongwana denied that his resignation was related to the Canyon Springs controversy, saying that he had realised he would be busy with "party work" in 2012. The Canyon Springs liquidation inquiry continued until August 2012.{{Cite web |date=2012-02-03 |title=Godongwana 'lied to inquiry' |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2012-02-03-godongwana-lied-to-inquiry/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=2012-08-24 |title=Godongwana found liable in probe |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2012-08-24-00-godongwana-found-liable-in-probe/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} According to Sactwu, the matter was concluded in January 2017 when Godongwana reached a settlement with the union, in terms of which he repaid Sactwu with interest.{{Cite web |last=Toyana |first=Mfuneko |date=2021-08-09 |title=Dark cloud of R100m pension fund deal lingers over new Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's head |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-08-09-dark-cloud-over-r100m-pension-fund-deal-lingers-over-new-finance-minister-enoch-godongwanas-head/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cronje |first=Jan |date=6 August 2021 |title=Finance Minister Godongwana paid back the money after Canyon Springs debacle, union confirms |url=https://www.news24.com/fin24/economy/new-finance-minister-godongwana-paid-back-the-money-after-canyon-springs-debacle-union-confirms-20210806 |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Business |language=en-US}}

Over the next decade, Godongwana was absent from legislative politics. During this period, and among other pursuits, he held non-executive directorships at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the New Development Bank, Mondi PLC, Platinum Group Metals, and several other companies.{{Cite web |date=29 September 2019 |title=ANC's Enoch Godongwana takes over as chair of DBSA |url=https://www.news24.com/fin24/ancs-enoch-godongwana-takes-over-as-chair-of-dbsa-20190929 |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=News24 |language=en-US}} He also ran a consultancy and was a visiting fellow at the Wits School of Governance from 2018 to 2021.{{Cite web |date=25 October 2018 |title=Enoch Godongwana – Visiting Fellow |url=https://www.wits.ac.za/news/sources/wsg-news/2018/staff-profile-enoch-godongwana--visiting-fellow.html |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Wits University}}

Godongwana retained his most prominent public profile through the ANC's NEC subcommittee on economic transformation. Indeed, he led a task team of the subcommittee that, in 2012, provided recommendations to the NEC about the role of the state in the mining sector.{{Cite journal |last=Butler |first=Anthony |date=2013 |title=Resource nationalism and the African National Congress |url=http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_abstract&pid=S2225-62532013000100005&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en |journal=Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy |volume=113 |issue=1 |pages=11–20 |issn=2225-6253}}{{Cite web |date=26 August 2011 |title=The nationalisation investigators |url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/4138/The_nationalisation_investigators |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Africa Confidential |language=en}} The task team had been established after the ANC's 2010 national general council in Durban, at which the ANC Youth League derailed the agenda to open a debate about the nationalisation of mines. After that council, Godongwana said that the NEC had not paid enough attention to the ANC Youth League's proposal before then, saying, "If I had done my work, we would not have been here now".{{Cite web |date=2010-09-24 |title=Nationalisation to be investigated by ANC leaders |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2010-09-24-nationalisation-to-be-investigated-by-anc-leaders/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} The first report of his task team, published in early 2012 under the title State Intervention in the Minerals Sector, made fairly moderate recommendations. He was later described as "part of the team that pushed back against the call to nationalise the mines".{{Cite web |last=Mkokeli |first=Sam |date=19 August 2022 |title=Possible Godongwana exit exposes another Ramaphosa flank |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/fm/opinion/2022-08-19-sam-mkokeli-possible-godongwana-exit-exposes-another-ramaphosa-flank/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Business Day |language=en-ZA}}

Re-elected to the NEC in December 2012, Godongwana was also appointed to succeed Max Sisulu as overall economic subcommittee chairperson.{{Cite web |date=15 January 2013 |title=ANC NEC approves names for sub committees |url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/anc-nec-approves-names-for-sub-committees |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=Politicsweb |language=en}} In this capacity, Godongwana frequently provided critical commentary on the turbulence that arose at the National Treasury during Zuma's second term as president. For example, in December 2015, markets reacted adversely to a controversial cabinet reshuffle, in which Zuma replaced Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene with Des van Rooyen, a relatively unknown politician with links to the Gupta family. When Minister Lindiwe Zulu was quoted as saying that the market reaction was the result of manipulation intended to undermine Zuma, Godongwana publicly questioned this claim and challenged Zulu to provide evidence.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-22 |title=Call for proof of plot to shame Zuma |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2015-12-22-call-for-proof-of-plot-to-shame-zuma/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Years later, Lungisa Fuzile, who was director-general in the Treasury at time, told the Zondo Commission that Godongwana had called to warn him about the implications of the reshuffle. According to Fuzile, Godongwana had told him to "watch it" because "You are now going to get a Gupta minister who will arrive with his advisers."{{Cite web |date=2018-11-21 |title=Ex-treasury DG was warned of 'Gupta minister' |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2018-11-21-ex-treasury-dg-was-warned-of-gupta-minister/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

The following year, when new Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was facing fraud charges, Godongwana was among the politicians who defended Gordhan and implied that the charges had political motives. He told eNCA that, "I share that view that in fact these charges are being concocted in order to cover all of those things [misconduct], to find a minister which [sic] is pliant, which is going to accept all those things".{{Cite web |date=2016-09-14 |title=ANC economics head Godongwana: Gordhan charges 'concocted' to remove him from office |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2016-09-14-anc-economics-head-godongwana-says-gordhan-charges-concocted/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He also said that he would join public demonstrations in support of Gordhan, because "We can not be silent as South Africans when people who are running good governance are being undermined."{{Cite web |date=2016-10-13 |title=ANC senior leaders, alliance partners come out in support of Gordhan |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2016-10-13-ancs-nec-members-alliance-partners-come-out-in-support-of-gordhan/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} In 2017, he questioned the decision of Gordhan's successor, Malusi Gigaba, to appoint Chris Malikane, a controversial figure reportedly linked to the Gupta family, as his economic adviser.{{Cite web |date=2017-04-21 |title=Fears new Gigaba aide will shift heat off Guptas |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-04-21-00-fears-new-gigaba-aide-will-shift-heat-off-guptas/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

Also in 2017, Godongwana was involved in mediating the ongoing policy dispute around two populist proposals of the pro-Zuma radical economic transformation faction: a proposal to nationalise ownership of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and, particularly important, a proposal to expropriate land without compensation. Under Godongwana's leadership, the economic subcommittee argued that transformation platforms should consider the state's fiscal position.{{Cite web |date=2017-03-17 |title=Politics blocks land reform |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-03-17-00-politics-blocks-land-reform/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Indeed, in March 2017, Godongwana dismissed the call for "radical economic transformation" as rhetoric, telling the Mail & Guardian:

These people who are making radical changes... what are those radical changes? People must be tested whether they are proposing practical things. They're talking abstract. Can you ask them to say 'These are the practical things to be done?'

In September 2019, Godongwana was appointed chairperson of the board of DBSA, deputised by Mark Swilling. In October 2020, Bantu Holomisa of the opposition United Democratic Movement wrote to Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts to draw attention to what he described as "maladministration, mismanagement and possible deep-rooted corruption" at DBSA. He also complained about Godongwana's leadership, saying that Godongwana was unsuitable for the chairmanship as a "politically exposed person" and that he had turned the institution "into his personal spaza shop".{{Cite web |last=Khumalo |first=Sibongile |date=6 November 2020 |title=Development Bank hits back at Holomisa's claims of 'spaza shop' management |url=https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/development-bank-hits-back-at-holomisas-claims-of-spaza-shop-management-20201106 |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=Business |language=en-US}}

DBSA denied Holomisa's allegations and said that Godongwana's political exposure did not make him ineligible for the job. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in June 2021 and said that the allegations were unfounded and emanated from a "bitter" former board member.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-02 |title=Scopa to investigate claims of mismanagement at DBSA |url=https://mg.co.za/news/2021-06-02-scopa-to-investigate-claims-of-mismanagement-at-dbsa/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

On 5 August 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffled his cabinet, announcing that Godongwana would take office as Minister of Finance. He succeeded Tito Mboweni, who had asked to stand down.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-05 |title=Markets react as Mboweni steps down in Ramaphosa cabinet reshuffle |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2021-08-05-markets-react-as-mboweni-steps-down-in-ramaphosa-cabinet-reshuffle/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} The markets responded adversely to the announcement, with the rand losing value, but recovered quickly, viewed as a reflection of Godongwana's existing reputation with investors. {{Cite web |date=12 August 2021 |title=South Africa: New finance minister Godongwana has investor support |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/116493/south-africa-new-finance-minister-godongwana-has-investor-support/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Africa Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=6 August 2021 |title='Sensible', 'stable' Enoch Godongwana well received as SA's new finance minister |url=https://www.news24.com/fin24/economy/sensible-stable-enoch-godongwana-well-received-as-sas-new-finance-minister-20210806 |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=News24 |language=en-US}} Observers also noted that Godongwana's political relationships across the Tripartite Alliance probably lent him more political capital than Mboweni had.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-14 |title=Godongwana 'will be just fine' |url=https://mg.co.za/business/2021-08-14-godongwana-will-be-just-fine/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He was appointed to the cabinet from outside Parliament until 28 February 2023, when he was sworn in to the National Assembly, replacing Mike Basopu.{{Cite web |last=Masuabi |first=Queenin |date=2023-02-28 |title=Godongwana sworn in as MP in latest move by Ramaphosa to reshuffle Cabinet |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-02-28-godongwana-sworn-in-as-mp-in-latest-move-by-ramaphosa-to-reshuffle-cabinet/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}

File:SA Finance Minister Godongwana with US Treasury Secretary Yellen in 2022.jpg in November 2022]]

He was sworn into president Ramaphosa's third cabinet on 3 July 2024.{{cite news |title=Historic day for SA as government of national unity ministers take oath of office |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-03-historic-day-for-sa-as-government-of-national-unity-ministers-take-oath-of-office |publisher=Daily Maverick |date=3 July 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240703142348/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-03-historic-day-for-sa-as-government-of-national-unity-ministers-take-oath-of-office/ | archive-date = 2024-07-03 | url-status = live|access-date=3 July 2024}}

In his first medium-term budget speech in November 2021, Godongwana emphasised fiscal discipline and announced a policy of "tough love" towards South Africa's struggling state-owned enterprises, including Eskom. Godongwana told Parliament:

We must be prepared to consolidate some of our state-owned entities and let go of those that are no longer considered strategically relevant. As far as SOEs are concerned, I think what I want to do is practice tough love.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-11 |title=Godongwana says it will be 'tough love' for errant SOEs |url=https://mg.co.za/business/2021-11-11-godongwana-says-it-will-be-tough-love-for-errant-soes/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

In November 2021, Godongwana said that he would step down as the chair of the NEC's subcommittee on economic transformation in order to allow younger leaders to emerge.{{Cite web |date=15 November 2021 |title=Enoch Godongwana to step down as ANC economy guru |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2021-11-15-enoch-godongwana-to-step-down-as-anc-economy-guru/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=Business Day |language=en-ZA}} Mmamoloko Kubayi replaced him in April 2022.{{Cite web |date=20 April 2022 |title=ANC names new head of economic transformation |url=https://www.news24.com/fin24/economy/anc-names-new-head-of-economic-transformation-20220420 |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=News24 |language=en-US}} At the ANC's next national conference, held at Nasrec in December 2022, Godongwana was re-elected to the NEC, ranked 19th of 80.{{Cite web |date=22 December 2022 |title=Full list: ANC NEC members |url=https://www.enca.com/news/full-list-anc-nec-members |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=eNCA |language=en}} He was also reappointed an ordinary member of the economic transformation subcommittee, which was to remain under Kubayi's leadership;{{Cite web |date=21 February 2023 |title=Cyril Ramaphosa allies dominate as heads of ANC NEC subcommittees |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2023-02-21-cyril-ramaphosa-allies-dominate-as-heads-of-anc-nec-subcommittees/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=Business Day |language=en-ZA}} and the NEC elected him to the influential ANC National Working Committee as one of the most popular candidates – he tied with Barbara Creecy for second place behind Kubayi.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-29 |title=Ramaphosa consolidates control over ANC with clean sweep in national working committee |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2023-01-29-ramaphosa-consolidates-control-over-anc-with-clean-sweep-in-national-working-committee-2/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

By that time, Godongwana was viewed as a member of President Ramaphosa's inner circle, particularly as a member of the group sometimes called the "Chris Hani cabal". Also including Gwede Mantashe, Oscar Mabuyane, and Mondli Gungubele, this group was from the Eastern Cape and was influential in Ramaphosa's camp in the ANC.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-25 |title=How the 'Chris Hani cabal' outmanoeuvred Paul Mashatile at ANC KZN conference |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2022-07-25-how-the-chris-hani-cabal-outmanoeuvred-paul-mashatile-at-anc-kzn-conference/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-28 |title=Chris Hani cabal comes to Ramaphosa's rescue in cabinet reshuffle |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2023-02-28-chris-hani-cabal-comes-to-ramaphosas-rescue-in-cabinet-reshuffle/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

He is married to Thandiwe Godongwana, with whom he has children.{{Cite news |date=28 November 2011 |title=Deputy minister denies hiding asset |work=IOL |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/deputy-minister-denies-hiding-asset-1187656 |access-date=31 July 2023}} He is known for wearing feathered homburg hats.{{Cite web |last=Mkokeli |first=Sam |date=21 November 2021 |title=Enoch Godongwana: a man of many hats — and many headaches |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/opinion-and-analysis/insight/2021-11-21-enoch-godongwana-a-man-of-many-hats--and-many-headaches/ |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Sunday Times |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |last=Creamer |first=Darlene |date=12 November 2021 |title=Hard hat |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/hard-hat-2021-11-12 |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Engineering News}}

In December 2001, while Godongwana was serving in the Eastern Cape Executive Council, the East London Magistrate's Court convicted him of drunk driving. He had been arrested in February and had failed a blood alcohol content test after he refused to submit to a breathalyser. He pled guilty to the charge, saying in mitigation that he had been driving because his niece had asked him for a lift, and he told press that it was "an error of judgement on my part, which I indeed regret. I am terribly sorry".{{Cite web |date=2001-12-31 |title=EC MEC gets fine for drunken driving |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2002-01-01-ec-mec-gets-fine-for-drunken-driving/ |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He was fined R8,000 in lieu of serving 200 days in prison, with half of the fine suspended; he was also given a prison sentence of three years, suspended for the duration.

In August 2022, a masseuse at a game reserve in the Kruger National Park laid a complaint of sexual harassment against Godongwana, who she said had touched her inappropriately during a massage. He strongly denied the allegation.{{Cite web |date=13 August 2022 |title=Godongwana denies claims of sexual harassment |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2022-08-13-godongwana-denies-claims-of-sexual-harassment/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Sunday Times |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=2022-08-19 |title='Relieved' to hear from police on sexual assault allegation, Godongwana will continue to do his job |url=https://mg.co.za/business/2022-08-19-relieved-to-hear-from-police-on-sexual-assault-allegation-godongwana-will-continue-to-do-his-job/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He told the Business Day that he believed the allegations were being used to "smear" him "to achieve narrow and selfish political ends" ahead of the ANC's upcoming national conference,{{Cite web |date=19 August 2022 |title=Sexual assault claims are being used as part of a smear campaign, Godongwana says |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/politics/2022-08-19-sexual-assault-claims-are-being-used-as-part-of-a-smear-campaign-godongwana-says/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Business Day |language=en-ZA}} and he undertook to continue "focusing on the critical tasks of revitalising our economy and protecting the fiscus".{{Cite web |date=2022-08-22 |title=Pressure builds as Enoch Godongwana forges on with fiscal consolidation |url=https://mg.co.za/business/2022-08-22-pressure-builds-as-finance-minister-forges-on-with-fiscal-consolidation/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} In late September, the National Prosecuting Authority said that, having assessed the evidence, it would not prosecute Godongwana.{{Cite web |date=23 September 2022 |title=Why the NPA won't prosecute Enoch Godongwana for sexual assault |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/why-the-npa-wont-prosecute-enoch-godongwana-for-sexual-assault-20220923 |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}

{{reflist}}

• {{People's Assembly (South Africa)|e-godongwana|Mr Enoch Godongwana}}
• [https://aidc.org.za/interview-enoch-godongwana/ Interview] with Amandla! (2018)
• [https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/opinion-and-analysis/2020-11-08-qa-with-enoch-godongwana-chair-of-the-ancs-economic-transformation-committee/ Interview] with the Sunday Times (2020)
• [https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/2021-07-29-enoch-godongwana-we-must-balance-growth-interventions-job-creation-social-grants/ "We must balance growth interventions, job creation, social grants"] in the Business Day (2021)

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Category:1957 births

Category:Living people

Category:African National Congress politicians

Category:Ministers of finance of South Africa

Category:20th-century South African politicians

Category:South African trade union leaders

Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2009–2014

Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2024–2029

Category:Members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature

Category:People from Sakhisizwe Local Municipality

Category:Alumni of the University of London

Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2019–2024