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South Africa: Unity government forms as Cabinet members are sworn in
On Wednesday, South Africa’s newly appointed cabinet officially took office, poised to address the critical challenges of driving economic growth, fostering social change, and reducing socio-economic inequality.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the oath of office to the 32-member cabinet in Cape Town.
President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled his long-awaited Government of National Unity (GNU) cabinet, keeping Paul Mashatile as his deputy and appointing rival John Steenhuisen to the key Agriculture ministry.
Ramaphosa faced some criticism for the size of his cabinet, which also includes 43 deputy ministers.
Seven parties secured ministerial positions in the government. The African National Congress (ANC) provided 20 ministers, the Democratic Alliance (DA) had six, the Inkatha Freedom Party had two, and the GOOD, Freedom Front Plus, Patriotic Alliance, and Pan Africanist Congress of Azania each had one minister.
This development follows the ANC’s loss of its parliamentary majority in the May elections, necessitating coalition negotiations with other parties.