Ramaphosa announces his GNU cabinet 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced his much-anticipated 7^th administration executive council in Pretoria on Sunday night. 

The announcement, which was scheduled for 21:00, began almost an hour later as the president said he was still consulting with political leaders and other stakeholders till the very end.

Addressing the nation, Ramaphosa said by casting their votes on the 29^th of May, South Africans made it clear that they expect political parties to work together to deliver on a mandate of transformation, growth, and renewal.

Ramaphosa said to give effect to this mandate, some political parties agreed that a Government of National Unity (GNU) which brings together parties from across the political spectrum, should be formed.

The President said the parties are the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi, and the United Africans Transformation.

The President highlighted that in forming the National Executive, they had to consider several factors and advance a number of key principles and 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.”

Despite indicating in the 6^th administration his intention to reduce the number of portfolios in the National Executive, Ramaphosa said this would however not be achieved, as they want to ensure that the 7^th administration is inclusive of all parties. 

This has resulted in the separation of 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 Petroleum Resources.

The ministry of Agriculture will be separated from the ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development.

The ministry of Higher Education will be separated from the ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development will be separated from the ministry of Correctional Services.

There will no longer be a Ministry of Public Enterprises. The coordination of the relevant public enterprises will be located in the Presidency during the process of implementing a new shareholder model,” said Ramaphosa. 

The President said it is important that they deploy into positions of responsibility people who are committed, capable and hard-working, and who have integrity.

• The Deputy President is Paul Mashatile.
• The Minister of Agriculture is John Steenhuisen, and the Deputy Minister is Rosemary Nokuzola Capa.
• The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Mzwanele Nyhontso, and the Deputy Minister is Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.
• The Minister of Basic Education is Siviwe Gwarube, and the Deputy Minister is Reginah Mhaule.
• The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Solly Malatsi, and the Deputy Minister is Mondli Gungubele.
• The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Velinkosi Hlabisa, Deputy Ministers are Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe.
• The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is Angie Motshekga, Deputy Ministers are Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo.
• The Minister of Electricity and Energy is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and the Deputy Minister is Samantha Graham.
• The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Blade Nzimande, and the Deputy Minister is Nomalungelo Gina.
• The Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth, Deputy Ministers Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina.
• The Minister of Finance is Enoch Godongwana, Deputy Ministers are David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen.
• The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is Dion George, Deputy Ministers are Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts.
• The Minister of Health is Aaron Motsoaledi, and the Deputy Minister is Joe Phaahla.
• The Minister of Higher Education is Nobuhle Nkabane, Deputy Ministers are Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe.
• The Minister of Home Affairs is Leon Schreiber, and the Deputy Minister is Njabulo Nzuza.
• The Minister of Human Settlements is Mmamoloko Kubayi, and the Deputy Minister is Tandi Mahambehlala.
• The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is Ronald Lamola, Deputy Ministers are Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka.
• The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Thembi Nkadimeng, and the Deputy Minister is Andries Nel.
• The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Gwede Mantashe, and the Deputy Minister is Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala.
• The Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Maropene Ramokgopa, and the Deputy Minister is Seiso Mohai.
• The Minister of Police is Senzo Mchunu, Deputy Ministers are Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.
• The Minister in the Presidency is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Deputy Ministers are Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong.
• The Minister of Public Service and Administration is Mzamo Buthelezi, and the Deputy Minister is Pinky Kekana.
• The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Dean Macpherson, and the Deputy Minister is Sihle Zikalala.
• The Minister of Small Business Development is Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, and the Deputy Minister is Jane Sithole.
• The Minister of Social Development is Sisisi Tolashe, and the Deputy Minister is Ganief Hendricks.
• The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Gayton McKenzie, and the Deputy Minister is Peace Mabe.
• The Minister of Tourism is Patricia De Lille, and the Deputy Minister is Maggie Sotyu.
• The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition is Parks Tau, Deputy Ministers are Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield.
• The Minister of Transport is Barbara Creecy, and the Deputy Minister is Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
• The Minister of Water and Sanitation is Pemmy Majodina, the Deputy Ministers are David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.
• The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Sindisiwe Chikunga, and the Deputy Minister is Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.
• The Minister of Correctional Services is Pieter Groenewald, and the Deputy Minister is Lindiwe Ntshalintshali,” explained Ramaphosa. 
• The President sought to clarify that the appointed members will not serve the interest of their parties, but of the country
  
  “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 South Africa,” added Ramaphosa. 

The newly appointed members are expected to be sworn-in on Tuesday in Pretoria.