There have been mixed reactions to President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of the national executive for his seventh government. The 32 ministers and 43 deputy ministers are drawn from the 11 political parties represented in the Government of National Unity.
ANC's Paul Mashatile retained his position as deputy speaker, DA leader John Steenhuisen became minister of agriculture, IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa was appointed minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs and FF Plus leader Dr Peter Groenewald became minister of corrective services.
Most political parties have welcomed the composition of the national executive, but the EFF and ActionSA have expressed reservations. With 11 days since the president was sworn in, many are waiting to see what the new executive under the GNU will look like.
“In a spirit of partnership and cooperation, the new government will work with other parties to implement what we have discussed,” President Ramaphosa said.
The ANC and its partners in government welcomed the appointment of the new minister by the country's foremost figure.
“We have given all appointees an opportunity to prove that they are in fact committed to these values and can operate based on these principled values. The ANC is positive and inspired by the president's ability to navigate uncharted territory and deliver results,” said the ANC's Zuko Godlimpi.
“The coalition we have negotiated and delivered means that the DA, alongside the ANC, is the only party represented at every level of government. This means that for the first time, the voices of DA members and voters will be heard in every arena and in every room,” DA leader John Steenhausen said.
“The IFP welcomes the national executive announcement, which provides certainty and gives South Africa the opportunity to move forward,” said the IFP's Mkuleko Lengwa.
UDM President Bantu Holomisa is deputy minister of defence.
“I am no stranger to military families and look forward to putting the little knowledge I have to good use in the sector,” UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said.
But the new national executive has not been welcomed by everyone.
Some opposition parties have criticised the president's move as an attempt to please GNU members too much.
They claim this is at the expense of South Africans.
“What's even more worrying about this announcement is that it will put further pressure on taxpayers by expanding and bloating the cabinet, which only serves to cater to racists. Cabinet also acknowledges that the ANC has abandoned its historic role,” said EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys.
“We are pleased that we finally have a cabinet but are very concerned that it is larger than before and that some party MPs in the Grand Coalition government have been hypocritical in accepting ministerial and deputy ministerial posts despite calling for the posts to be abolished,” Action SA's Athol Trollip said.
The South African Communist Party also spoke out.
“We will hold the whole government to account for the kind of mass mobilisation I have outlined here. I can assure you that no minister believes they can reverse the gains of our democracy and no minister believes they cannot stand up to the party,” said Sollie Mapaila of the South African Communist Party.
