South Africa is embarking on a new era with an unprecedented Government of National Unity (GNU), promising inclusive governance and a brighter future for all citizens.
South Africa (01 July 2024) – South Africans have long yearned for a government that prioritises the people and their needs, a government that serves every citizen with dedication and integrity. With the dawn of the seventh administration, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the nation is witnessing a historic moment that promises to redefine governance in South Africa.
This administration is not just another chapter in our democratic journey but a new beginning marked by unprecedented unity and collaboration.
For the first time in South Africa’s history, eleven political parties have come together to form a Government of National Unity (GNU). This unique coalition is not just a response to the election results but a reflection of the strength of our democracy and the commitment of our leaders to work together for the greater good. The parties involved include the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi, and the United Africans Transformation.
President Ramaphosa emphasised the significance of this coalition, stating, “The establishment of the Government of National Unity in its current form is unprecedented in the history of our democracy. We have had to consider how to form the new government in a manner that advances the national interest, that gives due consideration to the outcome of the election and that makes use of the respective capabilities within each of the parties.”
A Government for All South Africans
The newly formed cabinet is a reflection of South Africa’s diversity, with ministers and deputy ministers appointed from various political backgrounds. This inclusive approach ensures that the government represents and serves all South Africans, regardless of their political affiliations.
President Ramaphosa assured the nation, “None of the members of the National Executive has been appointed to serve the interests of a particular constituency, a particular party, or a particular section of society. They reflect the diversity of our nation. They have a responsibility to work together to serve the people as a whole.”
The process of forming this cabinet was not without challenges. However, the commitment to dialogue and consensus-building has shown that even the most complex problems can be solved through cooperation.
President Ramaphosa highlighted this achievement, saying, “As a relatively young democracy, we should be proud that we have moved to establish a government comprised of eleven parties within such a short space of time. Through our discussions, we have been able to build consensus on the tasks of government. We have shown that there are no problems that are too difficult or too intractable that they cannot be solved through dialogue.”
With the cabinet in place, the next step is to engage all South Africans in a National Dialogue. This initiative aims to bring together all parties, civil society groups, labour, business, and other stakeholders to address the critical challenges facing the nation.
President Ramaphosa called on the nation to support this effort, stating, “We call on all South Africans to participate in the National Dialogue and to give their support to this Government of National Unity as it begins its work. We have all been called upon to serve the people of this country, and we will do so to the utmost of our ability.”
The New National Executive
To ensure that the government can effectively address the needs of the country, President Ramaphosa has made several changes to the national government portfolios. These include merging the Ministries of Electricity and Energy, separating the Ministry of Agriculture from Land Reform and Rural Development, and other strategic adjustments.
These changes aim to provide focused attention on key issues and enhance the government’s efficiency.
The newly appointed cabinet includes individuals from various political backgrounds, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. Some notable appointments include Paul Mashatile as Deputy President, John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture, and Siviwe Gwarube as Minister of Basic Education. This diverse team is committed to working together to serve the nation and drive inclusive growth.
President:
Cyril Ramaphosa (ANC)
Deputy President:
Paul Mashatile (ANC)
Ministers:
The Minister in the Presidency is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
The Minister of Agriculture is John Steenhuisen.
The Minister of Basic Education is Siviwe Gwarube.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Solly Malatsi.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Velenkosini Hlabisa.
The Minister of Correctional Services is Pieter Groenewald.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is Angie Motshekga.
The Minister of Electricity and Energy is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
The Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth.
The Minister of Finance is Enoch Godongwana.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is Dion George.
The Minister of Health is Aaron Motsoaledi.
The Minister of Higher Education is Nobuhle Nkabane.
The Minister of Home Affairs is Leon Schreiber.
The Minister of Human Settlements is Mamoloko Kubayi.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is Ronald Lamola.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Thembi Nkadimeng.
The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Mzwanele Nyhontso.
The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Gwede Mantashe.
The Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Maropene Ramokgopa.
The Minister of Police is Senzo Mchunu.
The Minister of Public Service and Administration is Mzamo Buthelezi.
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Dean Macpherson.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Blade Nzimande.
The Minister of Small Business Development is Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
The Minister of Social Development is Sisisi Tolashe.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Gayton McKenzie.
The Minister of Tourism is Patricia De Lille.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition is Parks Tau.
The Minister of Transport is Barbara Creecy.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation is Pemmy Majodina.
The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Sindisiwe Chikunga.
Deputy Ministers:
The Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs are Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe.
The Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans are Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo.
The Deputy Ministers of Employment and Labour are Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina.
The Deputy Ministers of Finance are David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen.
The Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment are Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts.
The Deputy Ministers of Higher Education are Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe.
The Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation are Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka.
The Deputy Ministers of Police are Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.
The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency are Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong.
The Deputy Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition are Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield.
The Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation are David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is Rosemary Nokuzola Capa.
The Deputy Minister of Basic Education is Reginah Mhaule.
The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Mondli Gungubele.
The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services is Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.
The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy is Samantha Graham.
The Deputy Minister of Health is Joe Phaahla.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs is Njabulo Nzuza.
The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements is Tandi Mahambehlala.
The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Andries Nel.
The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.
The Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala.
The Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Seiso Mohai.
The Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration is Pinky Kekana.
The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Sihle Zikalala.
The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Nomalungelo Gina.
The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development is Jane Sithole.
The Deputy Minister of Social Development is Ganief Hendricks.
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Peace Mabe.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism is Maggie Sotyu.
The Deputy Minister of Transport is Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.
An Incredibly Positive Future
As South Africa embarks on this new journey with the Government of National Unity, there is a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The collaboration between different political parties and the commitment to serving all South Africans sets a powerful example of what can be achieved through unity and cooperation. This is not just a new administration but a new dawn for South Africa, where the government truly works for the people, and the future looks brighter than ever.
Together, we can build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous South Africa.
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