President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled his new Government of National Unity (GNU) cabinet on Sunday night, marking a pivotal moment in South African politics. This announcement comes two weeks after Ramaphosa’s inauguration for a second term, following the African National Congress (ANC)’s coalition with several other political parties after securing just over 40% of the vote in May’s general elections.
The GNU coalition includes the Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Vryheidsfront Plus (FF+), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Rise Mzansi, Al Jama-ah, and United African Transformation (UAT).
Key appointments in the new cabinet include Paul Mashatile as Deputy President, John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture, Siviwe Gwarube as Minister of Basic Education, Solly Malatsi as Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and Angie Motshekga as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. Enoch Godongwana continues as Finance Minister, with Aaron Motsoaledi as Minister of Health and Patricia De Lille as Minister of Tourism.
Among the deputy ministers, Rosemary Nokuzola Capa was appointed for Agriculture, Reginah Mhaule for Basic Education, and Mondli Gungubele for Communications and Digital Technologies. Lindiwe Ntshalintshali takes on the role of Deputy Minister for Correctional Services, while Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo are named Deputy Ministers for Defence and Military Veterans.
Ramaphosa highlighted the diversity of his executive team, emphasizing that the appointments are representative of all corners of the country. He stressed the responsibility of the cabinet to serve all South Africans collectively and individually.
In addition, Ramaphosa announced the launch of a National Dialogue, which will involve all political parties, civil society groups, labor, business, and other stakeholders in addressing the nation’s critical challenges. He called on all South Africans to support and participate in this initiative.
