The meeting was earlier postponed to allow ministers to attend the funeral of struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada, which Zuma did not attend.
It’s not clear what was on the agenda at the top executive meeting, but it’s believed they were going to discuss the axing of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
The top six of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) are divided down the middle on whether or not to remove Gordhan, two sources told Reuters.
They said that Zuma, who is part of the top six, wants to replace Gordhan and has the support of Chairwoman Baleka Mbete and Deputy Secretary-General Jessie Duarte.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe and Treasurer-General Zweli Mkhize want Gordhan to remain, the sources said.
The president does not need the support of the top six to hire and fire ministers but should top ANC members openly criticise his decision, it would likely weaken his position in the party.
A reliable source told Independent Media on Monday that both Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, are definitely out.
“It’s just a matter now of who takes over from Gordhan,” he said.
He said Gordhan has been completely isolated and had no support in the top six. Even the SA Communist party is prepared to see him go.
The source said JZ wanted former Eskom boss Brian Molefe as the minister, but some members of the top six and the SACP preferred Sifiso Buthelezi.
“The matter has still not been finalised,” the insider added.