South Africa Reacts to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s New Cabinet
Amidst accusations of a bloated government and the need to accommodate multiple parties, South Africa's most diverse administration takes shape after protracted negotiations.
South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa takes the oath of office for his second term as South African President at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on June 19, 2024.
Reactions across social media have been varied following South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of the country’s new cabinet on Sunday. There are 11 parties that need to be accommodated in the government of national unity, which has resulted in the formation of 32 ministerial positions.
This has led to some commentators pointing out how bloated the cabinet is. The announcement comes almost a month after the country held its elections, and following a protracted period of negotiations. Ramaphosa said that he was seeking a stable cabinet, which led to protracted negotiations.
Matters were looking shaky last week when a Helen Zille-penned letter to African National Congress’ (ANC) secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, was leaked to the media. In it, Zille, who is the chairperson of the Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council, outlined her party’s preferred ministerial positions, which included the ministries of mineral resources and energy, trade, industry and competition, and home affairs. Of these, the DA has received the minister of home affairs, which will be led by Leon Schreiber. President Ramaphosa accused the DA of trying to form a “parallel government” in his response.
The DA occupies six positions in total, including agriculture (John Steenhuisen), communications and digital technologies (Solly Malatsi), and basic education (Siviwe Garube). The ANC, who also occupies the deputy president position (Paul Mashatile), will helm the affairs in 20 ministries, while the remaining positions have been split among the IFP, FF+, PAC, GOOD, and PA. This seventh administration is the most diverse that South Africa has ever had.
DA leader, Steenhuisen reacted to the news by saying that his party looks forward to ushering in “a new era in South Africa’s democratic journey,” as well as to bringing about real change to its voter base.
Former DA member Phumzile Van Damme said it was “heartwarming” to see so many young people occupying positions.
The EFF issued a statement saying saying, “The ANC has abandoned its historical role as a liberation movement in Africa, and has solidified its role as an instrument of white supremacy, and domestic and global capital on the continent.”
South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s CEO, Alan Mukoki, said that the focus on the number of ministers is futile because, “it will distract us from the actual purpose of what exactly it is that they’re going to do.”
The Triangle Project, which services LGBTQI+ communities in the Western Cape, congratulated the deputy minister of women, youth and persons with disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike — who is openly gay — on her appointment. “[Letsike's] relentless pursuit of equality, justice, & accountability is inspiring. We know she will drive positive change and strengthen human rights,” read the statement.
With this in place, the opening of the new parliament and Ramaphosa’s delivery of the Opening of Parliament Address has been scheduled for July 18.
Over the course of 2024, 20 African countries will be holding elections. For more election coverage, check out our Election Tracker.
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