South Africa’s political landscape has been reshaped as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a new cabinet, over a month after the landmark election that saw his African National Congress (ANC) lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994. The election, held on May 29, significantly altered the country’s governance dynamics, leading to a power-sharing arrangement unprecedented in the post-apartheid era.
Formation of the New Cabinet
Late on Sunday, Ramaphosa unveiled a 32-member cabinet, establishing a government of national unity after protracted negotiations. The ANC, traditionally a dominant force in South African politics, secured 20 ministerial positions. The Democratic Alliance (DA), the main opposition party, claimed six positions, while the remaining posts were distributed among smaller coalition partners.
Election Outcomes and Coalition Building
The ANC’s share of the vote plummeted to 40 percent, a stark contrast to the over 60 percent victories it enjoyed in previous elections. This decline reflects widespread discontent among South Africans over persistent poverty, inadequate public services, and some of the highest inequality and unemployment rates globally. The DA capitalized on this dissatisfaction, garnering 21 percent of the vote, thus emerging as a critical player in the new coalition government.
Key Appointments and Political Maneuvering
One of the notable appointments is DA leader John Steenhuisen as the Minister of Agriculture. This strategic move highlights the ANC’s willingness to make significant concessions to ensure coalition stability. Despite these concessions, the ANC retained control over crucial portfolios, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with Paul Mashatile continuing as Deputy President.
Steenhuisen expressed optimism about the new coalition’s potential, stating, “We look forward to being part of a new era in South Africa’s democratic journey, and to bringing real and tangible change to the millions of citizens who voted for it.”
Political Reactions and Implications
Melanie Verwoerd, a political analyst and former South African diplomat, commended the cabinet’s composition, emphasizing the influx of new leaders and the spirit of compromise. “It is a major shake-up with very few of the old faces still in there, which is a good thing,” Verwoerd noted. “I think in general it’s a very positive step and of course very positive that they could actually get this done.”
Future Challenges and Prospects
The success of this coalition government hinges on the ability of former political adversaries to bridge ideological divides. The DA’s stance against the ANC’s black empowerment programs and minimum wage policies, alongside its opposition to land expropriation without compensation, highlights potential friction points. The ANC advocates for land redistribution to rectify historical injustices, a policy the DA firmly opposes.
The coming months will test whether this coalition can deliver on its promises and address the pressing socio-economic issues facing South Africa. The ability to foster dialogue and compromise will be crucial in navigating these challenges and steering the nation toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Source: Aljeezera
