South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new cabinet on Monday, confirming in a televised speech the transfer of 12 ministerial posts to opposition parties.
The largest opposition party, the economically liberal Democratic Alliance (DA), will take six positions alongside the DA party leader, John Steenhuisenappointed head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ramaphosa said.
With 20 ministries, including key ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Defence, Energy and Finance, the African National Congress (ANC) retains the lion’s share of cabinet posts.
With a total of 32 ministerial posts, the cabinet has two seats larger than in previous years.
The new 11-party government is expected to lead the African continent’s strongest economy in a government of national unity.
The ANC in Ramaphosa lost its absolute majority in the parliamentary elections on May 29 for the first time in thirty years and can no longer govern alone.
The new government wants to prioritize economic growth, social justice and democratic renewal of the country. Combating poverty, unemployment and crime is also a priority, along with tackling corruption and state exploitation.
The governing alliance was formed without firm coalition agreements. Political analysts have questioned the stability and effectiveness of such a form of government.
South Africa is becoming increasingly important internationally because of its position on a continent rich in raw material reserves needed for the green energy transition.
The country is also the only African member of the Group of Twenty Major Economies (G20).
