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The GNU cabinet: The times are a’changing

Jul 1, 2024 | Articles Energy Human Settlements Roads Water

Following a week of tense political line-dancing the Government of National Unity (GNU) has unveiled its new cabinet seatings. What does this entail for infrastructure in South Africa?

President Cyril Ramaphosa

The who’s who

As an infrastructure-focused magazine, the below list reflects the ministers that concern the sector, for a full list see the announcement from parliament here. 

  • The Minister of Agriculture is John Steenhuisen.
  • The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is Rosemary Nokuzola Capa.
  • The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Mzwanele Nyhontso.
  • The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.
  • The Minister of Electricity and Energy is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
  • The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy is Samantha Graham.
  • The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Blade Nzimande.
  • The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Nomalungelo Gina.
  • The Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth.
  • The Deputy Ministers of Employment and Labour are Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina.
  • The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is Dion George.
  • The Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment are Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts.
  • The Minister of Human Settlements is Mmamoloko Kubayi.
  • The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements is Tandi Mahambehlala.
  • The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Gwede Mantashe.
  • The Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala.
  • The Minister of Public Service and Administration is Mzamo Buthelezi.
  • The Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration is Pinky Kekana.
  • The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Dean Macpherson.
  • The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Sihle Zikalala.
  • The Minister of Transport is Barbara Creecy.
  • The Deputy Minister of Transport is Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
  • The Minister of Water and Sanitation is Pemmy Majodina.
  • The Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation are David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.
While it could be said that every minister at some level engages with infrastructure, such as the Minister of Finance or Minister of Social Development, these ministers reflect a more direct engagement with land, infrastructure and service delivery. 

Infrastructure headed into a new political climate

Infrastructure: Change is upon us

Now 32 seats deep the cabinet reflects the juggling act of including the new parties while pragmatically splitting or combining key areas for a larger cabinet reflective of the GNU’s varied approach. 

Some of these changes impact the sector directly such as combining the Ministries of Electricity and Energy or the creation of a Ministry for Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Some of the changes will tangentially impact the sector such as splitting agriculture from land reform. 

Change is here, and the sector will have to navigate the new political landscape.

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