The 2024 Cabinet has been announced. On the 29th of May, South Africans participated in a pivotal election that set the stage for significant changes in the country’s political landscape. The electorate’s message was clear: political parties must collaborate to foster transformation, growth, and renewal. In response, a Government of National Unity (GNU) has been formed, bringing together parties from across the political spectrum to address the nation’s challenges.

The newly formed GNU is unprecedented in South Africa’s democratic history, involving eleven parties: the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), Freedom Front Plus (FF+), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi, and United Africans Transformation. This coalition is guided by a Statement of Intent, emphasizing fundamental principles such as constitutional respect, accountable governance, evidence-based policy-making, public service professionalization, and integrity.

The incoming government prioritizes rapid, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth while addressing poverty and inequality to create a more just society. Despite some public concern over the time taken to form the new government, the process has been quicker than in many older democracies, demonstrating South Africa’s ability to establish a multi-party government efficiently.

The President highlighted that the formation of the Cabinet considered the national interest, the election outcome, and the capabilities within each party. The aim was to ensure an effective government with experienced, skilled, and committed individuals who reflect South Africa’s diversity. The government’s composition considers gender, youth, demographics, and regional distribution, aiming to represent all South Africans in both policy and practice.

Despite initial plans to reduce the number of portfolios in the Cabinet, the need for inclusivity required adjustments. Notable changes include the merging of the ministries of Electricity and Energy, the establishment of separate ministries for Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and Higher Education and Science, Technology and Innovation, among others.

Here are the key appointments to the Cabinet:

Deputy President: Paul Mashatile
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
Minister of Basic Education: Siviwe Gwarube
Deputy Minister of Basic Education: Reginah Mhaule
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies: Solly Malatsi
Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies: Mondli Gungubele
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Velinkosi Hlabisa
Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns-Ncamashe
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans: Angie Motshekga
Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans: Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo
Minister of Electricity and Energy: Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy: Samantha Graham
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation: Blade Nzimande
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation: Nomalungelo Gina
Minister of Employment and Labour: Nomakhosazana Meth
Deputy Ministers of Employment and Labour: Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina
Minister of Finance: Enoch Godongwana
Deputy Ministers of Finance: David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Dion George
Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts
Minister of Health: Aaron Motsoaledi
Deputy Minister of Health: Joe Phaahla
Minister of Higher Education: Nobuhle Nkabane
Deputy Ministers of Higher Education: Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe
Minister of Home Affairs: Leon Schreiber
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs: Njabulo Nzuza
Minister of Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi
Deputy Minister of Human Settlements: Tandi Mahambehlala
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Ronald Lamola
Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation: Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Thembi Nkadimeng
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Andries Nel
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Gwede Mantashe
Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala
Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Maropene Ramokgopa
Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Seiso Mohai
Minister of Police: Senzo Mchunu
Deputy Ministers of Police: Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale
Minister in the Presidency: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
Deputy Ministers in the Presidency: Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong
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
Minister of Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development: Jane Sithole
Minister of Social Development: Sisisi Tolashe
Deputy Minister of Social Development: Ganief Hendricks
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
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition: Parks Tau
Deputy Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition: Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield
Minister of Transport: Barbara Creecy
Deputy Minister of Transport: Mkhuleko Hlengwa
Minister of Water and Sanitation: Pemmy Majodina
Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation: David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Sindisiwe Chikunga
Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Mmapaseka Steve Letsike
Minister of Correctional Services: Pieter Groenewald
Deputy Minister of Correctional Services: Lindiwe Ntshalintshali

These appointments reflect the nation’s diversity, with each member tasked with serving all South Africans. The government aims to represent the people not only in its composition but also in its policies and programs.

In a spirit of partnership and collaboration, the incoming government plans to convene a National Dialogue, inviting all parties, civil society groups, labour, business, and other stakeholders to address the nation’s critical challenges. South Africans are encouraged to participate in the National Dialogue and support the Government of National Unity as it begins its work.

As leaders, ministers, deputy ministers, and public representatives, the newly appointed members of the Cabinet understand the responsibility they bear and are committed to serving the people of South Africa to the best of their ability.

Issued by The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa

Pretoria