In a surprising turn of events, president Cyril Ramaphosa announced late this evening the appointment of John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), as the new minister of agriculture with Rosemary Capa as his deputy.
Ramaphosa’s eagerly awaited cabinet announcement, scheduled for 21:00, was delayed by nearly an hour before the president spoke live from the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The decision this evening sparked a wave of reactions across the agriculture sector, where expectations were high for Dr Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape minister of agriculture, economic development and tourism. Meyer, widely respected for his extensive knowledge and support across both commercial and emerging farming communities, was widely tipped for the position.
In a restructuring move, Ramaphosa announced that land reform and rural development will now be a separate entity. This ministry will be led by minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, the PAC leader, with former Limpopo premier Stanley Mthabatha appointed as the deputy minister.
Ramaphosa champions unity and governance
Ramaphosa underscored the historic formation of a government of national unity, emphasising its role in fulfilling the electorate’s mandate for transformation and renewal.
“The people have spoken clearly through their votes, expecting collaboration across political divides to deliver on our nation’s pressing needs,” stated Ramaphosa, highlighting the unity among 11 diverse parties committed to constitutional governance and inclusive growth.
Acknowledging concerns about the process’s duration, he defended the thorough negotiations, citing international precedents while affirming the nation’s achievement in swiftly establishing a multi-party government.
“In forming this coalition, we have demonstrated that through dialogue, even the most complex challenges can find resolution,” he said, urging national support for the newly appointed cabinet tasked with realising South Africa’s collective aspirations.
DA’s key role in cabinet and parliament transitions
The DA’s inclusion in key cabinet roles marks a significant development in national unity efforts. The party secured six prominent ministries in total, including basic education, public works, communications and technology, home affairs, forestry, fisheries and the environment, alongside agriculture and rural development.
Additionally, the DA will occupy deputy minister positions in trade and industry, water, sanitation and land reform, higher education, energy and electricity, finance, and small business development.
Steenhuisen, currently 48, has a notable political career within the DA, serving as leader of the opposition in both the National Assembly and previously in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature. He began his political journey in Durban, elected to the city council at 22, where he quickly rose to prominence as caucus leader.
After a decade representing Durban North, he transitioned to the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature in 2009 and led the DA in the province until moving to the National Assembly in 2011, where he continued to excel as a member of parliament and caucus leader.
Earlier this month, Thoko Didiza, the former minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development was elected as the speaker of the National Assembly.
Her appointment marks a significant transition from her previous ministerial role to a key position in parliamentary leadership, where she is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding legislative proceedings and fostering consensus among political parties.
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