South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has formed a new coalition cabinet, appointing opposition leader John Steenhuisen as agriculture minister.
This move follows the African National Congress (ANC) losing its majority in the recent election and being forced to form alliances with rival parties.
The new cabinet includes members from various parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and smaller parties. Key appointments include Enoch Godongwana as finance minister and Ronald Lamola as international relations minister.
The ANC’s Gwede Mantashe retains his mineral and petroleum resources portfolio, but energy has been separated and assigned to Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Ramaphosa emphasized the diversity of the new cabinet and the need for collaboration.
Steenhuisen expressed enthusiasm for being part of a new era in South Africa’s democracy. Analysts see this development as a positive step, but note potential challenges in policymaking due to ideological differences among coalition members.
The DA and ANC have differing views on issues like Black empowerment programs, land expropriation, and minimum wage.
