On the night of Sunday, June 30, 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled his new cabinet, signaling significant changes and a fresh direction for South Africa. With a focus on refining and targeting the government’s efforts, certain ministries were separated or merged to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. Here’s a breakdown of the new cabinet and the notable changes:
Major Changes in the Government Structure
- Merging of Ministries: The Ministry of Electricity and Energy will now function as a single entity.
- Creation of Separate Ministries:
- Mineral and Petroleum Resources will have its own ministry.
- Agriculture is now distinct from Land Reform and Rural Development.
- Higher Education has been separated from Science, Technology, and Innovation.
- Justice and Constitutional Development has been separated from Correctional Services.
- Dissolution of Ministry of Public Enterprises: The responsibilities will now be coordinated within the Presidency as a new shareholder model is implemented.
Key Appointments in the New Cabinet
- Deputy President: Paul Mashatile
Agriculture and Land Reform
- Minister of Agriculture: John Steenhuisen
- Deputy Minister of Agriculture: Rosemary Nokuzola Capa
- Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development: Mzwanele Nyhontso
- Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development: Chupu Stanley Mathabatha
Education
- Minister of Basic Education: Siviwe Gwarube
- Deputy Minister of Basic Education: Reginah Mhaule
- Minister of Higher Education: Nobuhle Nkabane
- Deputy Ministers of Higher Education: Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe
- Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation: Blade Nzimande
- Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation: Nomalungelo Gina
Communications and Technology
- Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies: Solly Malatsi
- Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies: Mondli Gungubele
Defense
- Minister of Defence and Military Veterans: Angie Motshekga
- Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans: Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo
Energy and Resources
- Minister of Electricity and Energy: Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
- Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy: Samantha Graham
- Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Gwede Mantashe
- Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala
Economic Development
- Minister of Finance: Enoch Godongwana
- Deputy Ministers of Finance: David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition: Parks Tau
- Deputy Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition: Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield
- Minister of Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
- Deputy Minister of Small Business Development: Jane Sithole
Health and Social Services
- Minister of Health: Aaron Motsoaledi
- Deputy Minister of Health: Joe Phaahla
- Minister of Social Development: Sisisi Tolashe
- Deputy Minister of Social Development: Ganief Hendricks
Public Services and Administration
- Minister of Public Service and Administration: Mzamo Buthelezi
- Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration: Pinky Kekana
- Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: Dean Macpherson
- Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: Sihle Zikalala
Justice and Security
- Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Thembi Nkadimeng
- Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Andries Nel
- Minister of Correctional Services: Pieter Groenewald
- Deputy Minister of Correctional Services: Lindiwe Ntshalintshali
- Minister of Police: Senzo Mchunu
- Deputy Ministers of Police: Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale
Governance and Traditional Affairs
- Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Velinkosi Hlabisa
- Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe
Environment and Infrastructure
- Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Dion George
- Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts
- Minister of Water and Sanitation: Pemmy Majodina
- Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation: David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo
Culture, Tourism, and Sports
- Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture: Gayton McKenzie
- Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture: Peace Mabe
- Minister of Tourism: Patricia De Lille
- Deputy Minister of Tourism: Maggie Sotyu
International Relations
- Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Ronald Lamola
- Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation: Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka
Presidency and Planning
- Minister in the Presidency: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
- Deputy Ministers in the Presidency: Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong
- Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Maropene Ramokgopa
- Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Seiso Mohai
Human Settlements
- Minister of Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi
- Deputy Minister of Human Settlements: Tandi Mahambehlala
Home Affairs
- Minister of Home Affairs: Leon Schreiber
- Deputy Minister of Home Affairs: Njabulo Nzuza
Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities
- Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Sindisiwe Chikunga
- Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Mmapaseka Steve Letsike