Ramaphosa's new cabinet: mix of old faces, new roles, and demotions
President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced major changes in the cabinet of national unity, and he has also kept several of the ANC’s old guards in the same portfolios.
The new cabinet reflects a blend of continuity, reshuffles, and demotions within the ANC and coalition partners.
While introducing significant changes to the cabinet, Ramaphosa also retained several veteran ANC members from the sixth administration in their previous portfolios.
This includes Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa remains the Minister of Electricity, now overseeing both Electricity and Energy.
Following the separation of the Department of Higher Education and Science, Technology, and Innovation. Blade Nzimande now heads the newly formed Science and Innovation Department.
Patricia De Lille, leader of the GOOD party, retains her position as Minister of Tourism.
Ramaphosa has also reshuffled some members to new portfolios.
Former Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has been reassigned to Defence and Military Veterans.
The position she previously held for 15 years will now be headed by the DA's Siviwe Gwarube.
Aaron Motsoaledi returns to the Health Department, where he previously served between 2014 and 2019, while Joe Phaahla, the former Health Minister, has been demoted to Deputy Minister.
Ronald Lamola transitions from Correctional Services to become the new Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, succeeding Naledi Pandor.
Thembi Nkadimeng assumes the position of Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Former Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries Barbara Creecy takes over as Minister of Transport.
The role was previously held by Sindisiwe Chikunga, who now heads the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities.
Senzo Mchunu has been appointed Minister of Police, succeeding Bheki Cele, who has exited the cabinet.
To accommodate new ministers, Ramaphosa has demoted some of his party members to deputy positions.
Mondli Gungubele is demoted from Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies to Deputy Minister, with the position now held by the DA's Solly Malatsi.
Sihle Zikalala moves from leading the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to becoming a Deputy Minister, while Dean Macpherson of the DA assumes the role of Minister.
The changes signify Ramaphosa's strategy to blend experience with fresh leadership in the government of national unity.
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