South African diamond magnate,Tokyo Sexwale has been dismissed as his country’s Human Settlement Minister by President Jacob Zuma.

Sexwale, a former anti-apartheid crusader, had been South Africa’s Minister of Human Settlement since 2009. He was fired on Tuesday alongside Communication Minister, Dina Pule and Minister for co-operative Governance and traditional affairs, Richard Baloyi among others.

The businessman will be replaced by Connie September, African National Congress (ANC) MP.

Sexwale’s dismissal is part of President Zuma’s attempt to reshuffle his cabinet; a strategy he said will improve the delivery of government services.

This is the fourth time President Zuma is reshuffling the cabinet in his first five year tenure as the leader of Africa’s largest economy. The first reshuffle was in October 2010.

The reshuffle, announced less than a year before Zuma seek re-election for another five years term followed Sexwale criticism of the President’s stewardship of the economy, Al Jazeera reported.

Sexwale who was charged with terrorism and conspiracy in the late 70s before he was sent to Robben Island where he met fellow political prisoner and anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, has been a major contender campaigjning to outst President Zuma last year.

According to analysts, Sexwale’s dismissal was imminent.