South Africa’s newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers took the oath of office at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday afternoon, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle announced the previous evening.

The ceremony, presided over by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Nonkosi Mhlantla, saw David John Maynier sworn in as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, whilst Dina Deliwe Pule assumed the role of Minister of Social Development.

Three new deputy ministers also took their oaths: John Henry Steenhuisen as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Dr Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, and Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education.

President Ramaphosa invoked constitutional powers under Section 91 and Section 93 of the Constitution to make the appointments, which followed consultation with Democratic Alliance leadership as part of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said the party had selected representatives who would “unmistakeably demonstrate the DA’s difference in government” and work to grow the economy and create jobs.

“I have chosen this team to unmistakeably demonstrate the DA’s difference in government. They will show that the DA governs better for all South Africans, and will work to get the economy growing to get more people into work,” Hill-Lewis said in a statement released on Wednesday.

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The DA leader referenced the party’s 3.5 million voters in 2024, saying they had given the party a mandate to bring “higher standards, clean government, reform and delivery into national government”.

Hill-Lewis said South Africans wanted a government “on their side” that would grow the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, improve services and govern well for all.

“South Africa does not need politics as usual. It needs public representatives who understand that office is not an entitlement, but a responsibility,” he said.

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The DA leader set clear expectations for the party’s representatives in government, calling for accountability, responsiveness and a focus on results.

“My expectation of all who serve in government is to show the DA difference in action. Raise standards, solve problems, listen to stakeholders, and deliver practical progress,” Hill-Lewis said.

He concluded that the task ahead was to prove “through delivery, integrity and government that puts the people of this country first” that South Africa can work for everyone.

The reshuffle marks a renewed phase in the DA’s contribution to the GNU, with Hill-Lewis emphasising the party would continue to hold its team to high standards.

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