Pretoria - Former Communications Minister, Siphiwe Nyanda, has been appointed as President Jacob Zuma's Parliamentary Counsellor in the National Assembly.
Making the announcement on Thursday, the Presidency said Zuma had requested the Speaker of the National Assembly, Max Sisulu, to appoint Nyanda in this position with immediate effect.
The role he has been earmarked for involves representing the President himself in the Legislature, keeping him updated with developments in the House and providing an advisory service.
He will manage Zuma's liaison with presiding officers and structures in Parliament as well as relations with leaders of political parties represented in Parliament.
"General Nyanda will be the President's personal representative in Parliament, keeping him abreast regarding developments and providing advice on the course of action required on issues," said the Presidency.
Nyanda was replaced as Communications Minister in the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
At the time, critics welcomed his departure, saying his poor and controversial leadership at the 'dysfunctional' and 'problematic' ministry of communications had left a bad taste in the broadcasting sector.
They further alleged that he spent more of his time pursuing his business interests than running the ministry.
Reacting to his appointment, Nyanda said he looked forward to this deployment and the opportunity to contribute to strengthening relations between parliament and the executive.
"I am also encouraged by the President's determination to promote good working relations with political parties represented in parliament. We have to further develop these relations so that we can identify and highlight issues that are in the national interest, that we can work on together," said Nyanda.
Zuma has wished Nyanda well in his appointment and welcomed him to the Presidency.
