Overview
- Ramaphosa carried out the changes after consultation with the Democratic Alliance, issuing removal letters dated June 30 and swearing in the new ministers and deputy ministers at the Union Buildings on July 1.
- Willem Aucamp was named minister of agriculture, David Maynier took forestry, fisheries and the environment, Dina Pule was appointed minister of social development, and John Steenhuisen was moved from agriculture to a deputy minister role in trade and industry.
- Pule’s return prompted sharp criticism because a parliamentary ethics committee and the Public Protector previously found she misused office and concealed a relationship that benefited a contractor.
- ANC leaders defended the appointment, with secretary-general Fikile Mbalula saying Pule has served sanctions, been rehabilitated within the party, and is fit to return to executive office.
- The reshuffle responds to DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis’s request and shifts responsibility in high-stakes areas such as social grants administration and agriculture disease control, testing coalition management and public trust in the Government of National Unity.