In 2024, South Africa witnessed significant changes in Government and in its political landscape following the general elections. The most notable development was the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), along with several other parties.
Changes in Government
Formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU)
Following the 2024 general elections, South Africa has entered a new era of coalition politics with the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU). This development came after the African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure an outright majority for the first time since the end of apartheid. To ensure stable governance, President Cyril Ramaphosa formed a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties, including the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Freedom Front Plus (FF+), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and GOOD party.
Cabinet Composition and Key Appointments
The GNU cabinet includes a mix of ministers from the ANC, DA, and other coalition partners:
- President: Cyril Ramaphosa (ANC)
- Deputy President: Paul Mashatile (ANC)
- Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development: Thoko Didiza (ANC)
- Basic Education: Angie Motshekga (ANC)
- Communications and Digital Technologies: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (ANC)
- Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Thembi Nkadimeng (ANC)
- Defence and Military Veterans: Thandi Modise (ANC)
- Finance: Enoch Godongwana (ANC)
- Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: Barbara Creecy (ANC)
- Health: Joe Phaahla (ANC)
- Higher Education, Science and Innovation: Blade Nzimande (ANC)
- Home Affairs: Aaron Motsoaledi (ANC)
- Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi (ANC)
- International Relations and Cooperation: Naledi Pandor (ANC)
- Justice and Correctional Services: Ronald Lamola (ANC)
- Labour: Thulas Nxesi (ANC)
- Mineral Resources and Energy: Gwede Mantashe (ANC)
- Police: Bheki Cele (ANC)
- Public Enterprises: Pravin Gordhan (ANC)
- Public Service and Administration: Senzo Mchunu (ANC)
- Public Works and Infrastructure: Patricia de Lille (GOOD)
- Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (ANC)
- Social Development: Lindiwe Zulu (ANC)
- Sports, Arts and Culture: Zizi Kodwa (ANC)
- State Security: Ayanda Dlodlo (ANC)
- Tourism: Lindiwe Sisulu (ANC)
- Trade, Industry and Competition: Ebrahim Patel (ANC)
- Transport: Fikile Mbalula (ANC)
- Water and Sanitation: Senzo Mchunu (ANC)
- Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Maite Nkoana-Mashabane (ANC)
Distribution of Portfolios
- IFP: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
- FF+: Correctional Services
- PA: Sports, Arts, and Culture
- GOOD: Tourism
In addition, 42 deputy minister positions were allocated among the coalition parties, reflecting a broadly proportional representation within the cabinet.
Key Appointments
- President: Cyril Ramaphosa (ANC)
- Deputy President: Paul Mashatile (ANC), despite DA’s initial request for John Steenhuisen.
- Ministries under DA control: Communications and Digital Technologies, Trade and Industry, Transport, Public Service and Administration, Water and Sanitation, Local Government, and Health.
Exclusion of EFF and MK Party
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, were not included in the GNU. These changes in government saw the EFF, perceived as a disruptive force, and the MK Party, which refused to co-govern under Ramaphosa, remain outside the coalition. These changes reflect the evolving political dynamics and the strategic decisions made to ensure stable governance.
Impact and Challenges
The formation of the GNU aims to address pressing issues such as economic reform, service delivery, and infrastructure development. However, managing ideological differences and ensuring cohesive governance amid these changes in government are significant challenges. The GNU is seen as a stabilizing force, especially in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Northern Cape, where no single party holds a clear majority. These changes highlight the complexities and opportunities within the current political framework.
Political Landscape and Voter Sentiments
The 2024 elections marked a decline in the ANC’s influence, with the party securing just over 40% of the vote. Key issues shaping voter preferences included economic stagnation, high unemployment, and poor service delivery, particularly the rolling electricity blackouts due to failures at Eskom, the state-run power supplier. Despite these changes in government, the ANC remains the largest party and has formed the government through coalition alliances.
Future Prospects
The GNU marks a new chapter in South African politics, with potential for more inclusive and collaborative governance. The success of this coalition, driven by significant changes in government, will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future political frameworks in the country. Ensuring stability, managing internal conflicts, and delivering on economic and social promises will be critical for the GNU’s effectiveness and longevity. These changes offer a glimpse into the evolving nature of South Africa’s political landscape.
For further details, you can read more about the developments in sources like Forbes Africa, DW, and Democracy in Africa (Democracy in Africa).
