The President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new coalition government after its ruling African National Congress (ANC) party lost its parliamentary majority in May elections.
He said: “The government of national unity… is unprecedented in the history of our democracy.”
The ANC will have 20 of the 32 cabinet posts, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) – so far the main opposition party – will have six. Six other portfolios are shared by smaller parties.
The ANC’s declining support at the election reflected public frustration with its poor record of delivering basic services and tackling unemployment, poverty and corruption.
The ANC led by Nelson Mandela achieved its goal of ending white minority rule in South Africa in 1994. Until now, the party governed the country on its own.
In the new cabinet, the ANC will retain key ministries such as defence, finance and foreign affairs.
The DA’s portfolios include home affairs and public works. Party leader John Steenhuisen will lead the ministry of agriculture.
In a televised address on Sunday, Mr Ramaphosa said: “The new government will prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and the creation of a more just society.”
The ANC welcomed the move as “an important step forward and proof of the resilience of our democracy”.
Meanwhile, the DA said it is “proud to take up the challenge and take our place at the seat of national government for the first time.”
It also promised “good governance, zero tolerance for corruption and pragmatic policymaking”.
Despite a coalition agreement, major political differences remain between the ANC and the DA.
Perhaps the biggest and most controversial issues are the DA’s opposition to the ANC’s national health care policy and its black economic empowerment programme.
In the May elections, the ANC received 40% of the vote, while the DA obtained 22%.
