South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new coalition government after his ruling African National Congress (ANC) party lost its parliamentary majority in May's elections. The ANC keeps key ministries such as defence, finance and foreign affairs, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) holds portfolios including home affairs and public works. Party leader John Steenhuisen leads the agriculture ministry.
Ramaphosa prioritizes rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and creation of a more just society in the incoming government. The ANC will have 20 out of 32 cabinet posts, while the DA secures six.
The coalition government is unprecedented in South Africa's history. In May's elections, the ANC got 40% of the votes and DA secured 21%. Despite political disagreements between the two parties on issues like healthcare policy and black economic empowerment programmes, they have agreed to work together.
The new cabinet marks a significant shift in South Africa's political landscape. The ANC has dominated South African politics since Nelson Mandela ended white-minority rule in 1994. This coalition government is an attempt to address public frustration over the ANC's poor record on delivering basic services and tackling unemployment, poverty, and corruption.
The DA opposes the ANC's national healthcare policy and black economic empowerment programme. However, they have agreed to work together in the interest of creating a more just society. The incoming government will prioritize rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Ramaphosa said: “The incoming government will prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and creation of a more just society.”
The ANC welcomed the move as an important step forward. The DA pledged good governance, zero tolerance for corruption, and pragmatic policy-making.