Ramaphosa unveils new cabinet with 12 opposition posts

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced his new Cabinet on Monday, confirming the handover of 12 ministerial posts to opposition parties in a televised speech.

The largest opposition party, the economically liberal Democratic Alliance (DA), will take on six positions with DA party leader, John Steenhuisen, named to head the Ministry of Agriculture, Ramaphosa said.

With 20 ministries, including key ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Defence, Energy and Finance, the African National Congress (ANC) retained the lion’s share of Cabinet posts.

With a total of 32 ministerial posts, the Cabinet has two seats larger than in previous years.

The new government consisted of 11 parties, expected to lead the African continent’s strongest economy in a government of national unity.

Ramaphosa’s ANC lost its absolute majority for the first time in 30 years in the parliamentary elections on May 29 and can no longer govern alone.

The new government plans to prioritize economic growth, social justice and democratic renewal of the country.

Combating poverty, unemployment, and crime is also a priority, along with addressing corruption and state exploitation.

The governing alliance has been formed without any firm coalition agreements.

Political analysts have questioned the stability and effectiveness of such a form of government.

South Africa is becoming increasingly important internationally due to its position in a continent rich in the raw material reserves needed for the green energy transition.

The country is also the only African member of the Group of 20 major economies (G20).