Photo : Chronicle
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Chronicle
IN BRIEF
Ayan Datta
South Africa: Ramaphosa appoints cabinet of national unity government
On 30 June, Reuters reported that South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the cabinet of his national unity government. Ramaphosa included the former opposition leader and head of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party, John Steenhuisen, as Minister of Agriculture. ANC leaders Enoch Gondohgwana and Gwede Matashe were retained as Ministers of Finance and Mineral and Petroleum Resources. At the same time, Ronald Lamola was appointed the new Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. However, Ramaphosa removed the Ministry of Energy from Matashe’s portfolio and placed it under Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramaskopa. Ramaphosa stated, “These men and women we have appointed to the executive ... reflect the diversity of our nation...n the spirit of partnership and collaboration, the incoming government will work together.” Steenhuisen stated, “We look forward to being part of a new era in South Africa’s democratic journey, and to bringing real and tangible change to the millions of citizens who voted for it.” (“South Africa's Ramaphosa announces cabinet that includes ex-opposition leader,” BBC, 30 June 2024)