South Africa's president announces new government cabinet
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced his new cabinet. In a TV address, the head of state confirmed the allocation of 12 ministerial posts to opposition parties.
The largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), takes over six positions. DA party leader John Steenhuisen will head the Agriculture ministry. With 20 ministries, including key ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Defense, Energy, and Finance, the African National Congress (ANC) retains the lion's share of cabinet posts.
The cabinet, with a total of 32 ministerial posts, is larger than in previous years. The background is the composition of the new government. This government consists of eleven parties that are to govern the affairs of Africa's strongest economy as part of a National Unity Government (GNU). Ramaphosa's party, the ANC, suffered a massive power loss in the May 29 parliamentary elections and can no longer govern alone.
For the new government, economic growth, social justice, and democratic renewal of the country are priorities. So is the fight against poverty, unemployment, and crime. Action will also be taken against corruption and the exploitation of the state. The governing coalition is a kind of Grand Coalition, but without fixed coalition agreements. According to political analysts, the stability and effectiveness of such a governmental form is questionable.
As a gateway to a continent that is becoming increasingly important internationally due to its resources needed for the energy transition, the political events in South Africa are also relevant for Germany and Europe. South Africa is also the only African member of the Group of the Major Seven (G20).
The African National Congress (ANC), as the primary party in South Africa's new Government Cabinet, will overseen key ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Defense, Energy, and Finance, with a total of 20 ministerial posts. The Cabinet, now comprising 11 political parties forming a National Unity Government, has expanded to 32 ministerial positions, with the President Cyril Ramaphosa's party, ANC, losing some power after the elections.
