President Cyril Ramaphosa has revealed a new Cabinet with members from various political parties, including the ANC, DA, IFP, PA, PAC, and FF+. This move aims to create a Government of National Unity (GNU) despite earlier plans to reduce the Cabinet size.
Cabinet Expansion and Changes
In a Sunday evening address, President Ramaphosa announced that the Cabinet has grown from 30 to 32 ministers to ensure representation from all GNU parties.
Merged and New Ministries
Several ministries have been combined or separated for better focus:
- Electricity and Energy are now one ministry, led by Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
- Mineral and Petroleum Resources is a new ministry under Gwede Mantashe.
- Agriculture is now separate from Land Reform and Rural Development.
- Higher Education is separate from Science, Technology, and Innovation.
- Justice and Constitutional Development is now distinct from Correctional Services.
- Public Enterprises has been dissolved, with its duties moved to the Presidency.
Key Appointments from Different Parties
The new Cabinet includes significant appointments from various parties:
- John Steenhuisen (DA): Minister of Agriculture.
- Siviwe Gwarube (DA): Minister of Basic Education.
- Solly Malatsi (DA): Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
- Gayton McKenzie (PA): Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
- Bantu Holomisa (UDM): Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
- Ganief Hendricks (Al Jama-ah): Deputy Minister of Social Development.
- Pieter Groenewald (FF+): Minister of Correctional Services.
Negotiations Between ANC and DA
The announcement followed lengthy negotiations between the ANC and DA. Initially, the DA wanted 12 positions in the national executive but settled for six ministerial and six deputy ministerial roles. One major issue was the DA’s demand to lead the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, which was resolved by appointing Andrew Whitfield (DA) as the deputy minister.
Public Concerns and Process Duration
President Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns about the time taken to form the GNU but emphasised that such processes can take time, as seen in other democracies.
Opposition and Call for a National Convention
The EFF opposed the inclusion of the DA and FF+ in the GNU, citing concerns over their agendas. Meanwhile, Build One South Africa (Bosa) called for a National Convention with all 18 parliamentary parties to create a values-based and efficient national government.
Full List of Cabinet Members and Deputies
Here is the complete list of the new Cabinet members and their deputies:
- Deputy President: Paul Mashatile
- Minister of Agriculture: John Steenhuisen; Deputy: Rosemary Nokuzola Capa
- Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development: Mzwanele Nyhontso; Deputy: Chupu Stanley Mathabatha
- Minister of Basic Education: Siviwe Gwarube; Deputy: Reginah Mhaule
- Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies: Solly Malatsi; Deputy: Mondli Gungubele
- Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Velinkosi Hlabisa; Deputies: Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe
- Minister of Defence and Military Veterans: Angie Motshekga; Deputies: Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo
- Minister of Electricity and Energy: Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy: Samantha Graham-Maré
- Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation: Blade Nzimande; Deputy: Nomalungelo Gina
- Minister of Employment and Labour: Nomakhosazana Meth; Deputies: Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina
- Minister of Finance: Enoch Godongwana; Deputies: David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen
- Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Dion George; Deputies: Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts
- Minister of Health: Aaron Motsoaledi; Deputy: Joe Phaahla
- Minister of Higher Education: Nobuhle Nkabane; Deputies: Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe
- Minister of Home Affairs: Leon Schreiber; Deputy: Njabulo Nzuza
- Minister of Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi; Deputy: Tandi Mahambehlala
- Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Ronald Lamola; Deputies: Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka
- Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Thembi Nkadimeng; Deputy: Andries Nel
- Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Gwede Mantashe; Deputy: Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala
- Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Maropene Ramokgopa; Deputy: Seiso Mohai
- Minister of Police: Senzo Mchunu; Deputies: Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale
- Minister in the Presidency: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Deputies: Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong
- Minister of Public Service and Administration: Mzamo Buthelezi; Deputy: Pinky Kekana
- Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: Dean Macpherson; Deputy: Sihle Zikalala
- Minister of Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Deputy: Jane Sithole
- Minister of Social Development: Sisisi Tolashe; Deputy: Ganief Hendricks
- Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture: Gayton McKenzie; Deputy: Peace Mabe
- Minister of Tourism: Patricia De Lille; Deputy: Maggie Sotyu
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition: Parks Tau; Deputies: Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield
- Minister of Transport: Barbara Creecy; Deputy: Mkhuleko Hlengwa
- Minister of Water and Sanitation: Pemmy Majodina; Deputies: David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo
- Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Sindisiwe Chikunga; Deputy: Mmapaseka Steve Letsike
- Minister of Correctional Services: Pieter Groenewald; Deputy: Lindiwe Ntshalintshali
Conclusion
President Ramaphosa’s new Cabinet is designed to promote national unity and address South Africa’s challenges with a diverse and inclusive approach. Despite the complexity and duration of forming the GNU, this Cabinet aims to work collaboratively to build a better future for the nation.
