South Africa’s President Ramaphosa Unveils Multiparty Cabinet

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new cabinet that marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.

The cabinet includes seven different parties in an unprecedented power-sharing agreement, following the African National Congress (ANC) losing its parliamentary majority in the May election.

The ANC, which has dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid in 1994, won 40% of the vote but failed to secure a majority.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), the main opposition party, won 20% of the vote and has now agreed to share power with the ANC.

The new multiparty cabinet includes 11 parties, with the ANC holding 20 of the 32 ministerial positions.

The DA has six ministerial positions, including the ministry of agriculture, which will be led by DA leader John Steenhuisen.

The ANC has retained key ministries such as finance, trade and industry, foreign affairs, defense, and justice.

However, the DA has been given deputy minister posts in trade and industry and finance, which may test the parties’ ability to work together.

The coalition faces significant challenges, including addressing South Africa’s deep socioeconomic problems, such as high rates of inequality, unemployment, and violent crime.

The country is also struggling with failing public services, including rolling nationwide electricity blackouts.

The inclusion of the DA and the Freedom Front Plus party, which has its roots in former right-wing parties representing white interests, has raised concerns about race and representation.

However, both Ramaphosa and Steenhuisen have committed to working together to address the country’s challenges.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook