South Africa’s government of national unity sworn in

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
4 Jul 2024 14:59

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has overseen the proceedings, administering the oath of office to Cabinet members from the various political parties comprising the GNU.

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South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa (2nd R) and other members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) sing the National Anthem under the South African flag during the first sitting of the New South African Parliament in Cape Town on June 14, 2024. (AFP)

South Africa's newly formed government of National Unity (GNU) was officially sworn in on Wednesday.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new cabinet on Sunday, following weeks of political maneuvering after his ANC party lost its parliamentary majority in the May 29 elections.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo oversaw the proceedings, administering the oath of office to Cabinet members from the various political parties comprising the GNU.

In further detail, each minister and deputy minister pledged before the Chief Justice to remain faithful to the Republic of South Africa, obey and uphold the Constitution, and respect all other laws of the Republic. They also committed to serving their roles with honor and dignity, being true and faithful advisors, keeping confidential matters secret, and performing their duties conscientiously and to the best of their ability.

Under the power-sharing agreement, the ANC retained 20 of the 32 ministerial positions, while the DA and smaller parties occupied the remaining seats. This arrangement signified a notable change in South African politics, with former adversaries now collaborating in the nation’s highest offices.

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DA leader John Steenhuisen has been appointed as the new minister of agriculture, a crucial portfolio given the country’s economic challenges and the significance of the agricultural sector. This appointment is viewed as a major concession to the opposition, aimed at securing the DA’s cooperation in the GNU.

Meanwhile, Siviwe Gwarube of the DA, the youngest minister in the new cabinet, will serve as the minister of basic education. Before the ceremony, Gwarube expressed her dedication to the demanding role, stating, “The future of the country rests on how well this department that I lead does its work. For now, I am still minister-designate until sworn into office.”

It is worth noting that six DA deputy ministers have been appointed, including Ashor Sarupen as deputy finance minister. Sarupen will collaborate with Enoch Godongwana, who continues as head of the National Treasury. Sarupen will share the deputy role with David Masondo, who served in the position during the sixth administration.

Diverse leadership

Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks has been appointed as deputy minister of social development, while Pieter Groenewald of the Freedom Front Plus will serve as minister of correctional services.

Senzo Mchunu has replaced Bheki Cele as the police minister, with Cele not being reassigned to another ministry.

Furthermore, one of the new ministers is Gayton McKenzie, who has been appointed as minister of sport, arts, and culture.

McKenzie’s trajectory from serving a 15-year prison sentence for armed robbery to becoming a motivational speaker and now a cabinet minister underscores the diverse and sometimes unexpected paths of South Africa’s leaders. Leading the Patriotic Alliance, McKenzie’s inclusion in the cabinet marks his party’s inaugural entry into national governance in its decade-long history.

Following the completion of the swearing-in ceremony, the new ministers are poised to immediately begin their responsibilities. Official transitions from outgoing ministers have already commenced in several departments.