President Ramaphosa announces his new multiparty National Executive

By Kopano Dibakwane & Lwazi Raul-Shongwe

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the new multiparty National Executive for the 7th Administration, widely known as the GNU(Government of National Unity).

The decision to form the GNU reportedly follows the outcome of the 2024 National Election, in which none of the political parties that participated were able to achieve an overall majority, including the African National Congress(ANC), which has been the ruling party since 1994.

In his announcement, Ramaphosa said that the GNU is made up of 11 political parties( 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 United African Transformation) that have opted to work together in government as well as in parliament.

“ All the parties have made a commitment, in writing, to respect the constitution and promote accountable and transparent governance, evidence-based policies and decision-making, the professionalisation of our public service based on integrity and good governance,” said Ramaphosa.

According to Ramaphosa, certain portfolios will be separated, while some will be discontinued.

“ These men and women that we have appointed to the Executive reflect the diversity of our nation. They have a responsibility to work together to serve the people of South Africa as whole. 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,”said Ramaphosa.

The new Executive includes; Paul Mashatile(Deputy President), John Steenhuizen(Agriculture), Mzwanele Nyhontso(Land Reform and Rural Development), Siviwe Gwarube(Basic Education), Solly Malatsi(Communications, Digital Technologies), Velinkosi Hlabisa(Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs), Angie Motshekga(Defence, Military Veterans), Kgosientsho Ramokgopa(Electricity, Energy), Blade Nzimande(Science, Technology, Innovation), Nomakhosazana Meth(Employment and Labour), Enoch Godongwana(Finance), Dion George( Forestry, Fisheries, Environment).

Others ministries include; Aaron Motsoaledi(Health), Nobuhle Nkabane(Higher Education), Leon Schreiber(Home Affairs), Mamoloko Kubayi(Human Settlements), Ronald Lamola(International Relations and Cooperation), Thembi Nkadimeng(Justice, Constitutional Development), Gwede Mantashe(Mineral and Petroleum Resources), Maropene Ramokgopa(Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation), Senzo Mchunu(Police), Khumbudzo Ntshavheni(Presidency), Mzamo Buthelezi(Public Service and Administration), Deon Macpherson(Public Works and Infrastructure), Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams( Small Business Development), Patricia De Lille(Tourism), Parks Tau(Trade Industry and Competition), Barbara Creecy(Transport),Pemmy Majodina(Water and Sanitation), Sindisiwe Chikunga(Women, Youth, Persons with disabilities), Pieter Groenewald(Correctional Services), Sisisi Tolashe(Social Development), Gayton McKenzie(Sports, Arts and Culture).