By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced changes to his executive – including two new ministries – Minister for Electricity and Minister for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
During a delayed address to the nation on Monday (6 March), the president revealed that Kgosientsho Ramokgopa would be appointed as the country’s new minister of electricity.
He also revealed that Maropene Ramokgopa would be appointed as minister for planning, monitoring and evaluation – another new ministry in the presidency.
Ramaphosa said that he realises that a second new minister is adding to the number of executives in his cabinet, but said that ministries would be reduced in the future.
Ministers who did not return include Nathi Mthethwa, Lindiwe Sisulu and Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
While several analysts have argued Ramaphosa would use the Cabinet reshuffle to keep his allies close, the president on Monday evening said the changes were not about overhauling the national executive, but “intended to fill vacancies that have occurred in the Executive and to direct government more effectively towards the areas that require urgent and decisive action.”
Other big changes
Paul Mashatile has also been sworn in as the new Deputy President of South Africa, replacing David Mabuza who officially resigned as an MP last week.
Mashatile was elected as the ANC’s Deputy President during the party’s 55th elective conference in December last year, beating Ramaphosa’s favoured deputy, Oscar Mabuyane, 2,178 votes to 1,858.
Sindisiwe Chikunga is the new Minister of Transport after Fikile Mbalula was elected to the ANC’s Secretary General position – a full-time role at Luthuli house. Chikunga was previously deputy minister in the portfolio.
In addition, Noxolo Kiviet is the new Minister of Public Service and Administration.
Last year, Former Minister Ayanda Dlodlo was appointed as an Executive Director on the board of the World Bank in the United States, with Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi taking over on an interim basis. Kiviet was also previously deputy minister in the portfolio.
Other changes include:
- Minister in the Presidency – Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
- Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities – Dr
Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma - Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation – Ms Maropene
Ramokgopa - Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity – Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
- Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies – Mr Mondli Gungubele
- Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – Ms Thembi Nkadimeng
- Minister of Public Service and Administration – Ms Noxolo Kiviet
- Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure – Mr Sihle Zikalala
- Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture – Mr Zizi Kodwa
- Minister of Tourism – Ms Patricia de Lille
- Minister of Transport – Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga
Deputy ministers
Deputy Ministers in the Presidency – Ms Nomasonto Motaung and Mr Kenneth Morolong
Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with
Disabilities – Ms Sisisi Tolashe
Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation – Ms
Pinky Kekana
Deputy Ministers for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – Mr Parks Tau and Mr Zolile Burns-Ncamashe
Deputy Ministers for Water and Sanitation – Mr David Mahlobo and Ms Judith Tshabalala
Deputy Minister of Public Works – Ms Bernice Swarts
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development – Ms Dipuo Peters
Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises – Mr Obed Bapela
Deputy Minister of Transport – Mr Lisa Mangcu.
Ministers that have been untouched in this reshuffle include: Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga; Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Blade Nzimande; Minister of Labour, Thulas Nxesi; Trade and Industry Minister, Ebrahim Patel; and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.