South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to announce his new cabinet in a live national TV broadcast on Sunday night, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.
This announcement comes after extensive negotiations between factions within his unity government, following the ruling party’s unprecedented loss of its parliamentary majority in recent elections.
For the first time in three decades, the African National Congress (ANC) secured less than half of the votes in the May 29 election, forcing it to form a coalition with rival parties.
The ANC’s main adversary, the Democratic Alliance (DA), had been in heated discussions over cabinet positions, particularly the crucial trade and industry portfolio.
“The announcement will be made in the form of a televised address to the nation,” stated presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, confirming the address will take place at 9 p.m. (1900 GMT).
This breakthrough in negotiations, reported by two national newspapers on Sunday, follows the DA’s concession on the trade and industry position, clearing the last obstacle to establishing a new government.
For decades, the ANC has relied on its legacy of ending apartheid 30 years ago, under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, who successfully unified a racially, ethnically, and economically divided nation.
However, growing dissatisfaction among voters regarding the ANC’s failure to deliver essential services such as water, education, and electricity led to its lowest ever electoral performance, garnering just 40% of the vote.
Analysts suggest the success of the new coalition government will hinge on its ability to overcome ideological differences. The DA aims to dismantle some of the ANC’s Black empowerment initiatives, arguing they have disproportionately benefited a politically-connected elite, while the broader Black population remains impoverished.
Additionally, the DA opposes the ANC’s plan to expropriate land without compensation, a contentious issue rooted in the historical injustices of colonialism and apartheid.
The DA also advocates for the phasing out of South Africa’s minimum wage, currently at 27.58 rand ($1.52) per hour, claiming it hinders economic competitiveness.
The upcoming cabinet announcement will be a critical step in determining whether this coalition of former adversaries can effectively govern and address the pressing challenges facing South Africa.
