Ramaphosa Reconfigures GNU Executive as DA Figures Return to Government
Dina Pule takes over Social Development while John Steenhuisen and other Democratic Alliance leaders are appointed to key deputy ministerial positions in the latest Cabinet shake-up.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a significant reshuffle of the national executive, reinforcing the Government of National Unity (GNU) through a series of ministerial and deputy ministerial appointments agreed upon following consultations with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The changes see several prominent DA figures returning to government, with former minister Dina Pule appointed as Minister of Social Development, filling one of the Cabinet’s key vacancies.
In terms of Section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution, Ramaphosa has appointed:
Willem Aucamp as Minister of Agriculture
David Maynier as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development
The President has also made a number of deputy ministerial appointments under Section 93(1)(a) of the Constitution:
John Steenhuisen as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy
Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education
Steenhuisen’s return to the executive is among the most notable developments, placing the former Agriculture Minister and DA leader in a key economic portfolio at a time when government is seeking to stimulate growth and investment.
The appointments underscore ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation within the GNU and maintain stability across critical sectors of government.
President Ramaphosa wished the incoming ministers and deputy ministers success in their new responsibilities, expressing confidence in their ability to serve South Africans and advance the work of government.
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