By Phenyo Selinda
youHerman Mashaba, President of ActionSA, didn’t mince his words following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a new, “bloated and compromised” cabinet. Mashaba declared the new appointments as a “bad first impression” for the grand coalition government, casting doubts on any meaningful reform prospects.
“Contrary to past commitments by both President Ramaphosa and the DA,” Mashaba stated, “the appointment of 32 Ministers and 43 Deputy Ministers shows that when they stand to benefit, their principles soon fall by the wayside.” Despite these reservations, ActionSA acknowledges that this announcement ends a period of significant uncertainty for the nation.
Concerns Over Cabinet Size and Costs
South Africans have long called for a reduction in the size of the cabinet, which is one of the largest in the world. In a country where many citizens struggle with poverty and the rising cost of living, the cabinet’s annual expense of over R1 billion is seen as excessive. “The cabinet announced by President Ramaphosa tonight will collectively cost over R1 billion annually in benefits and perks,” Mashaba emphasised. This includes more than R180 million for ministers’ and deputy ministers’ salaries alone.
Taxpayers are also expected to cover various additional costs, such as over R500 million for VIP protection and security and more than R390 million for support staffing. “These staggering figures do not even account for the additional costs associated with luxury residences afforded to ministers and deputy ministers,” Mashaba pointed out.
Unfulfilled Promises and Old Faces
Mashaba reminded the public that in April 2019, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) submitted a report to President Ramaphosa about reorganising the state. Despite this, no action has been taken. “In May last year, the DA’s Dr Leon Schreiber introduced the ‘Cut Cabinet Perks Bill’ in Parliament,” he noted. Whether the ANC and DA will pursue these goals in the new coalition remains uncertain.
Mashaba also criticised the retention of cabinet members implicated in wrongdoing, signalling potential governance issues. “Despite months of reporting on Paul Mashatile’s corrupt activities, including how he possibly benefitted from tender corruption, he was again included as Deputy President,” he remarked.
The Call for Accountability
ActionSA asserts that the new grand coalition government failed to initiate meaningful reform. “Years of opposition parties publicly calling for a smaller cabinet and the replacement of failed or implicated ministers have been silenced,” Mashaba stated. He believes now more than ever, an uncompromised unofficial opposition is essential.
“Tonight we send the following message to this new government: you are now in government and you, and you alone, are accountable for the direction of our country,” Mashaba declared. “Now is the time to reform our country and now is the time we are going to hold you to account for the change you bring.”
President Ramaphosa Announces New Cabinet
Earlier today, President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled the new members of South Africa’s seventh administration. The updated National Executive includes representatives from all eleven parties of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Inclusive Government: A Multilateral Approach
This broad coalition includes the ANC, DA, PA, IFP, GP, PAC, FF+, UDM, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi, and UAT. Addressing the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria, President Ramaphosa outlined the necessity of an inclusive approach amidst South Africa’s challenges.
Key Restructuring and Appointments
The President highlighted significant changes and restructuring in various portfolios to address the nation’s pressing needs more effectively. Notable changes include the merging of the Ministries of Electricity and Energy and the establishment of a separate Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
Here are key appointments in the National Executive:
The Deputy President is Paul Mashatile.
The Minister of Agriculture is John Steenhuisen.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is Rosemary Nokuzola Capa.
The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Mzwanele Nyhontso.
The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.
The Minister of Basic Education is Siviwe Gwarube.
The Deputy Minister of Basic Education is Reginah Mhaule.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Solly Malatsi.
The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Mondli Gungubele.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Velinkosi Hlabisa.
The Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs are Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is Angie Motshekga.
The Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans are Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo.
The Minister of Electricity and Energy is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy is Samantha Graham.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Blade Nzimande.
The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Nomalungelo Gina.
The Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth.
The Deputy Ministers of Employment and Labour are Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina.
The Minister of Finance is Enoch Godongwana.
The Deputy Ministers of Finance are David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is Dion George.
The Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment are Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts.
The Minister of Health is Aaron Motsoaledi.
The Deputy Minister of Health is Joe Phaahla.
The Minister of Higher Education is Nobuhle Nkabane.
The Deputy Ministers of Higher Education are Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe.
The Minister of Home Affairs is Leon Schreiber.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs is Njabulo Nzuza.
The Minister of Human Settlements is Mmamoloko Kubayi.
The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements is Tandi Mahambehlala.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is Ronald Lamola.
The Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation are Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Thembi Nkadimeng.
The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Andries Nel.
The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Gwede Mantashe.
The Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala.
The Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Maropene Ramokgopa.
The Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Seiso Mohai.
The Minister of Police is Senzo Mchunu.
The Deputy Ministers of Police are Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.
The Minister in the Presidency is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency are Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong.
The Minister of Public Service and Administration is Mzamo Buthelezi.
The Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration is Pinky Kekana.
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Dean Macpherson.
The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Sihle Zikalala.
The Minister of Small Business Development is Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development is Jane Sithole.
The Minister of Social Development is Sisisi Tolashe.
The Deputy Minister of Social Development is Ganief Hendricks.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Gayton McKenzie.
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Peace Mabe.
The Minister of Tourism is Patricia De Lille.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism is Maggie Sotyu.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition is Parks Tau.
The Deputy Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition are Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield.
The Minister of Transport is Barbara Creecy.
The Deputy Minister of Transport is Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation is Pemmy Majodina.
The Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation are David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.
The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Sindisiwe Chikunga.
The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.
The Minister of Correctional Services is Pieter Groenewald.
The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services is Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.
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