South Africa reshuffles cabinet as president Ramaphosa reassigns Democratic Alliance ministers

Wednesday 01 July 2026 - 07:29

By: Sahili Aya

South Africa reshuffles cabinet as president Ramaphosa reassigns Democratic Alliance ministers

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a cabinet reshuffle that includes the demotion of former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, reflecting changes requested by the party’s new leadership within the country’s coalition government.

The changes, unveiled late Tuesday, see Steenhuisen moved from his position as Minister of Agriculture to Deputy Minister of Trade, following a request from newly elected DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, who assumed leadership of the party in April.

The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest member of South Africa’s governing coalition after Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC), submitted proposals for changes to its ministerial representation earlier this month.

Responding to those requests, Ramaphosa appointed Willie Aucamp, previously Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, as the country’s new Minister of Agriculture.

The leadership change at the agriculture ministry comes at a critical time, with South Africa managing a severe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that has affected the livestock sector and increased pressure on agricultural authorities.

The cabinet reshuffle also addressed a vacancy within the ANC. Ramaphosa appointed Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development, replacing Sisisi Tolashe, who was removed from office in May following misconduct allegations.

Pule returns to cabinet after more than a decade. She last served as a minister until 2013, when she was dismissed amid controversy over allegations that she had provided preferential treatment to a company linked to her then-boyfriend. While Pule denied any wrongdoing, a parliamentary ethics committee later concluded that she had violated lawmakers’ code of conduct and imposed sanctions.

A senior member of the ANC Women’s League, Pule’s appointment marks her return to frontline government despite the earlier ethics findings.

The latest cabinet adjustments highlight the evolving dynamics within South Africa’s coalition administration, where cooperation between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance continues to shape government appointments and policy priorities.

The reshuffle also underscores the influence of coalition partners in determining cabinet representation as the government seeks to maintain stability while addressing pressing economic and agricultural challenges.