While it is never spelt out on a Cabinet organogram, a finance minister is usually the most powerful person in a democratic government after the president. This was one of the reasons for the tension between former president Jacob Zuma and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan at the height of the State Capture era. Despite David Masondo remaining as deputy minister of finance, Godongwana felt confident enough to strip him of his role as PIC chair. Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo was recently removed as chair of the PIC. (Photo: Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle)That said, it should be remembered that Masondo’s political position was weakened by two major factors.