South Africa’s New Unity Government Sworn In
On Wednesday, South Africa’s new unity government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, began its swearing-in ceremony in Cape Town, broadcasted live on television. This event followed weeks of intense coalition negotiations.
Key Appointments
Paul Mashatile, reappointed as deputy president, was the first to take the oath among the 32 new ministers. President Ramaphosa, 71, had announced his highly anticipated coalition government on Sunday. This new government sees an increase in ministries from 30 to 32, with 43 deputy ministers also appointed.
Coalition Composition
The African National Congress (ANC), which has been in power since South Africa’s democratic transition in 1994, lost its outright parliamentary majority in the May 29 elections. In response, the ANC sought to form a government of national unity. The party retains control over 20 cabinet positions, including key ministries such as foreign affairs, finance, defense, justice, and police.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), the largest coalition partner and a longtime critic of the ANC, has been assigned six ministries, including agriculture, public works, and communication. DA leader John Steenhuisen, 48, was appointed as the agriculture minister. The DA has been vocal about the ANC’s shortcomings in addressing high crime rates, a struggling economy, and an energy crisis.
Other Coalition Partners
Other coalition partners include the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party, the anti-immigration Patriotic Alliance, and the right-wing Afrikaans party Freedom-Front Plus. These smaller parties will hold six cabinet positions between them.
Challenges and Concerns
The new coalition government represents a shift towards the center-right, offering hope for improved governance but also raising concerns about cohesion. President Ramaphosa has faced criticism from opposition and business leaders regarding the expanded number of ministers, with fears that this could lead to governmental inefficiency and increased taxpayer burden.
The leftist Economic Freedom Fighters expressed their concerns, stating, “This cabinet has been increased and bloated, signaling more pressure on taxpayers.”
