By Phenyo Selinda
In a statement released on Sunday, 30 June 2024, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned the African National Congress (ANC) for forming a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance (DA). The EFF termed this alliance a betrayal of the liberation movement and a blatant “sell-out to white capital.”
ANC-DA Cabinet: A “Grand Coalition” for White Supremacy?
The EFF’s National Spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Mathys, did not mince words as she expressed the party’s outrage over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent cabinet announcement. This new government, described by the EFF as an ANC-DA cabinet, allegedly confirms their longstanding view that the “government of national unity” (GNU) was a ruse to facilitate a coalition with what they termed the “racist” DA.
EFF’s Strong Words Against the Coalition
Mathys pointed out several critical issues highlighted by the EFF:
- Bloated Cabinet: The EFF criticised the cabinet’s increase in size, viewing it as an undue financial burden on taxpayers aimed at accommodating individuals with racially regressive policies.
- Abandonment of Liberation Ideals: The ANC’s decision to collaborate with the DA marks, in EFF’s view, an abandonment of its historical liberation role, turning it into an instrument of white supremacy and global capital domination.
- Position Allocations: The EFF is deeply troubled by the ANC’s decision to allocate six ministerial posts, six deputy ministerial roles, and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament position to the DA. According to the EFF, these strategic positions enable the DA to enforce neoliberal policies detrimental to South Africa’s black majority.
- Subversion of South African Democracy: The EFF has long warned against the influence of powerful families like the Oppenheimers in funding political movements to capture South Africa’s political arena. They claim the ANC-DA coalition is a result of this subversion.
A Call to Arms: EFF’s Commitment
The EFF vowed to continue being a formidable opposition force against what they see as an oppressive regime. They are determined to undermine this coalition’s policies and advocate for true economic freedom.
“We will remain an effective opposition, whose sole responsibility will be to undermine the backward policy advancements of the ANC-DA grand coalition at all levels of government and on the picket lines,” Mathys declared.
Ramaphosa’s Vision for a Unified Government
In contrast, President Cyril Ramaphosa presented a vision of inclusion and unity as he announced the new National Executive from the Union Buildings in Pretoria. He highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach amid South Africa’s challenges, stressing the importance of an inclusive government.
Changes in Government Portfolios
Ramaphosa also announced key structural changes:
- Merging of Ministries of Electricity and Energy
- Formation of a new Ministry for Mineral and Petroleum Resources
- Separation of the Ministry of Agriculture from Land Reform and Rural Development
Key Appointments in the National Executive
The President revealed several prominent appointments, including:
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.
EFF’s Proposal for Co-Governance
On Saturday, even before the GNU announcement, the EFF had suggested a willingness to co-govern with the ANC, urging them to reject alliances with the DA and Freedom Front Plus (FF+). They reiterated their commitment to the principles of the Freedom Charter and stressed the importance of unity in maintaining the liberation struggle’s objectives.
EFF’s Stipulations for Co-Governance
- Liberation Commitment: EFF acknowledged the ANC’s role in the liberation struggle but urged the ruling party to adhere strictly to those principles.
- No DA-FF+ Collaboration: The EFF opposed any partnerships with the DA and FF+, considering them promoters of white supremacy.
- New Agreement: The EFF proposed a fresh agreement, excluding other GNU partners, focused on liberation and equality.
- Government Involvement: The EFF sought representation across all national government clusters and leadership roles in legislative bodies.
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