South Africa: Ramaphosa’s announces ‘lean and optimal’ cabinet

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:32 pm

Ramaphosa announced an inclusive cabinet that he said made history as the first with 50% female appointees. The president also said age had been considered to enable the government that reflects the youthful nature of South Africa’s populace. Ramaphosa retained Tito Mboweni as finance minister and David Mabuza as deputy president.

South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa says ministries have been merged to reduce portfolios from 36 to 28, as part of his pledge to have a lean and efficient government. Some of the merged ministries include;

Higher Education + Science & Technology

Trade & Industry + Economic Development

Land Reform + Agriculture and Rural development

Human Settlements + Water and Sanitation

Arts, Culture + Sports and Recreation

South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa is still holding consultative meetings ahead of a much anticipated announcement of his cabinet on Wednesday evening. The presidency had said Ramaphosa would announce a new cabinet at 8:00 p.m. local time (1800 GMT), two weeks after the ANC saw its majority cut in national elections. Ramaphosa’s narrow victory in an ANC leadership election in late 2017, when he replaced scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma, is seen as continuing to constrain his ability to push through reforms as factions inside the party jostle for influence. Ramaphosa is expected to announce a smaller cabinet, with several appointments, notably to the finance, energy and mining ministries and the deputy presidency — likely to be closely scrutinised.