President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced changes to the National Executive following consultations with the leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA) as a partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The changes affect several key portfolios, including Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Trade, Industry and Competition, Electricity and Energy, Higher Education, Water and Sanitation, and Social Development.
In terms of Section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution, President Ramaphosa has appointed:
- Willem Aucamp as the new Minister of Agriculture
- David Maynier has been appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The President has also appointed a number of Deputy Ministers in accordance with Section 93(1)(a) of the Constitution.
The appointments include:
- 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.
In addition, Dina Pule has been appointed as the new Minister of Social Development, filling the previously vacant position.
The Presidency said the appointments form part of efforts to strengthen the Government of National Unity and ensure the effective functioning of key government departments.
President Ramaphosa extended his best wishes to all the newly appointed Ministers and Deputy Ministers as they take up their responsibilities.
The appointments take effect in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution.
