Newly Sworn-In Cabinet Members Hit The Ground-Running

In a historic ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town on Wednesday, the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, Ministers, and Deputy Ministers took the oath of office, marking the beginning of South Africa’s seventh government administration. Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presided over the swearing-in ceremony, which saw 32 cabinet members take their seats.

This milestone marks a significant moment in South Africa’s democratic history, as the government, for the first time, comprises seven political parties: the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Good Party, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and VF Plus. 

This unity government, reminiscent of the 1994 Government of National Unity, aims to foster collaboration and address the country’s pressing challenges.

The ANC holds 20 ministry portfolios, while the DA has six, PA one, PAC one, Good Party one, IFP two, and VF Plus one. 

As the country grapples with sky-rocketing gender-based violence, youth unemployment, state-owned company collapses, and economic woes, various foundations, including the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, Steve Biko Foundation, and Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, have urged the government to engage in a National Dialogue.

Nkosinathi Biko, son of the late Steve Biko, delivered a joint statement on behalf of the foundations, emphasizing the need for a national conversation, akin to the 1994 CODESA negotiations, to address the country’s pressing issues. The foundations indicated that this dialogue is not intended to dictate to the government but rather to collaborate and find solutions to the challenges facing South African citizens 30 years into democracy.

The Steve Biko Foundation criticized the Government of National Unity for prioritizing power-sharing talks over discussions on implementing meaningful change. 

The FW De Klerk Foundation showed solidarity with the foundations’ call for a National Dialogue. As South Africa embarks on this new chapter, the country looks to its leaders to work together and create a brighter future for all. 

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Written by: Thato Letsaba

Images: UFS World & The Africa Report

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