STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ON THE APPOINTMENT
OF MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
Fellow South Africans,
Just over a month ago, on the 29 of May, the people of
In casting their votes, the people made it clear that they expect political parties to work together to deliver on a mandate of transformation, growth and renewal.
To give effect to this mandate, it was agreed that a Government of National Unity, which brings together parties from across the political spectrum, should be formed.
This Government of National Unity would be bound by certain fundamental principles and would undertake a basic minimum programme of priorities.
Following discussions over the course of the last few weeks, a total of eleven parties have elected to work together in government and in
These are the
The partnership between the GNU parties is guided by a Statement of Intent, which outlines fundamental principles and a minimum programme of priorities.
All the parties have made a commitment to respect the constitution and to promote a accountable and transparent governance, evidence-based policy and decision-making, the professionalisation of the public service, integrity and good governance.
The incoming government will prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and the creation of a more just society by tackling poverty and inequality.
The establishment of the Government of National Unity in its current form is unprecedented in the history of our democracy.
We have had to consider how to form the new government in a manner that advances the national interest, that gives due consideration to the outcome of the election and that makes use of the respective capabilities within each of the parties.
We have had to consider not only the immediate needs of the country.
We have also had to consider the stability, effectiveness and durability of the government we are establishing.
It is true that some South Africans have expressed concern about the length of time it has taken to form a government.
As the discussions have unfolded, they have been worried about the effect of a protracted process on confidence and stability.
At the same time, many people have pointed to the experiences of other countries that have a far longer history of democracy, where the formation of multi-party governments have sometimes taken several months.
As a relatively young democracy, we should be proud that we have moved to establish a government compromised of eleven parties within such a short space of time.
Through our discussions we have been able to build consensus on the tasks of government.
We have shown that there are no problems that are too difficult or too intractable that they cannot be solved through dialogue.
This evening, I am pleased to announce the members of the National Executive who will bear collective responsibility to give effect to the will of the electorate.
In forming the National Executive, we have had to consider several factors and advance a number of key principles.
We have had to ensure that the incoming government will be effective, and that it will have people with the experience, skills and capabilities to deliver on its mandate.
It is important that we deploy into positions of responsibility people who are committed, capable and hard-working, and who have integrity.
We have had to ensure that all the parties are able to participate meaningfully in the National Executive and that the diversity of the views of South Africans is properly reflected.
We have sought to ensure that the National Executive is representative of the people of
We want South Africans to see themselves reflected not only in the composition of government, but also in its policies and programmes.
Given the challenges that the country faces today and considering the electoral mandate this government must implement, I have decided to make certain changes to the national government portfolios.
In the course of the sixth democratic administration, we indicated our intention to reduce the number of portfolios in the National Executive. However, due to the need to ensure that the National Executive is inclusive of all the parties to the Government of National Unity, this has not been possible.
In some instances, we have considered it necessary to separate certain portfolios to ensure that there is sufficient focus on key issues.
The ministries of Electricity and Energy will be merged.
There will be a separate ministry of Mineral and
The ministry of Agriculture will be separated from the ministry of Land Reform and
The ministry of Higher Education will be separated from the ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The ministry of Justice and
There will no longer be a
I have decided to make the following appointments to the National Executive:
The Deputy President is Paul Mashatile.
The Minister of Agriculture is
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is Rosemary Nokuzola Capa.
The Minister of Land Reform and
The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and
The Minister of Basic Education is Siviwe Gwarube.
The Deputy Minister of Basic Education is Reginah Mhaule.
The Minister of Communications and
The Deputy Minister of Communications and
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Velinkosi Hlabisa.
The Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs are Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns-Ncamashe.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is
The Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans are Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo.
The Minister of Electricity and Energy is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy is
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Blade Nzimande.
The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Nomalungelo Gina.
The Minister of Employment and
The Deputy Ministers of Employment and
The Minister of Finance is Enoch Godongwana.
The Deputy Ministers of Finance are
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is
The Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment are
The Minister of Health is Aaron Motsoaledi.
The Deputy Minister of Health is Joe Phaahla.
The Minister of Higher Education is Nobuhle Nkabane.
The Deputy Ministers of Higher Education are Buti Manamela and
The Minister of Home Affairs is
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs is Njabulo Nzuza.
The Minister of Human Settlements is Mmamoloko Kubayi.
The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements is Tandi Mahambehlala.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is
The Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation are
The Minister of Justice and
The Deputy Minister of Justice and
The Minister of Mineral and
The Deputy Minister of Mineral and
The Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Maropene Ramokgopa.
The Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is
The Minister of Police is
The Deputy Ministers of Police are Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.
The Minister in the Presidency is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency are Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong.
The Minister of Public Service and Administration is
The Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration is Pinky Kekana.
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is
The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Sihle Zikalala.
The Minister of Small Business Development is
The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development is
The Minister of
The Deputy Minister of
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is
The Minister of Tourism is
The Deputy Minister of Tourism is Maggie Sotyu.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition is
The Deputy Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition are Zuko Godlimpi and
The Minister of Transport is
The Deputy Minister of Transport is Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation is Pemmy Majodina.
The Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation are David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.
The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Sindisiwe Chikunga.
The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.
The Minister of Correctional Services is
The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services is Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.
These men and women we have appointed to the executive are drawn from all corners of our country.
They reflect the diversity of our nation.
They have a responsibility to work together to serve the people as a whole.
None of the members of the National Executive has been appointed to serve the interests of a particular constituency, a particular party or a particular section of society.
Collectively and individually, they are responsible to the people of
In the spirit of partnership and collaboration, the incoming government will work together with other formations to convene a National Dialogue.
Through this National Dialogue, all parties, civil society groups, labour, business and other stakeholders will be invited to work together to address the critical challenges facing the nation.
We call on all South Africans to participate in the National Dialogue and to give their support to this Government of National Unity as it begins its work.
As the leaders of political parties, as Ministers and Deputy Ministers, as public representatives, we understand and accept the responsibility that we bear.
We have all been called upon to serve the people of this country, and we will do so to the utmost of our ability.
I thank you.
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