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Angie Motshekga Appointed Acting President of South Africa – What It Really Means

Published

3 months ago

June 18, 2025

Chiraag

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From classrooms to the Union Buildings, Angie Motshekga is making history – albeit for a brief moment.

A Moment in the Hot Seat

From June 17 to 19, 2025, Minister Angie Motshekga will serve as acting president of South Africa. With President Cyril Ramaphosa attending the G7 Leadership Summit in Canada and Deputy President Paul Mashatile visiting Russia, Motshekga steps in to ensure continuity at the highest level of government.

Why Motshekga?

Being named acting president is a significant mark of trust and political stature. Motshekga has over two decades of high-level public service – first as Minister of Basic Education from 2009 to 2024, and currently as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans since July 2024. Her appointment reflects not only her extensive experience but also President Ramaphosa’s confidence in her steady leadership.

In a Cabinet that balances generational and gender representation, her selection underscores both her political weight and the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.

A Symbolic First for Women

While Angie Motshekga is not South Africa’s first female acting head of state – that distinction belongs to Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri – she joins a very small group of women who have held the presidential office, even if temporarily. This milestone has sparked conversations across South Africa about women’s leadership roles.

On X (formerly Twitter), one user remarked, “From steering schools to steering the nation – even if just for days,” highlighting Motshekga’s journey from educator to national stand-in.

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Image 1: The Bulrushes

Politics Behind the Protocol

The South African Constitution permits any Cabinet minister to act as president in the absence of the president and deputy president. However, the choice of Motshekga carries political significance. Amid fragile coalition dynamics following the 2024 elections, Ramaphosa opted for a seasoned minister who embodies continuity and institutional stability.

This decision reflects both political prudence and a subtle nod to gender inclusion in top-level governance.

What to Expect

Motshekga’s tenure as acting president will be largely procedural – overseeing routine Cabinet duties, signing delegated documents, and ensuring the smooth running of government operations. Major policy announcements or shifts are unlikely during this brief period.

Nonetheless, the optics are important. In a country still striving for balanced representation, seeing a woman in the president’s chair – even temporarily – helps broaden public perceptions of leadership possibilities.

Context That Adds Colour

Historical Roots: Motshekga’s rise from a Soweto teacher to ANC Women’s League chairperson and Cabinet minister is a story steeped in activism and public service.
National Mood: Discussions about gender parity, leadership competence, and political trust continue to shape South Africa’s public discourse, with this appointment feeding into those conversations.
Contrasting Views: While many praise her resilience and longevity, some critics argue that this choice reflects entrenched power structures rather than reformist ideals.

Why It Still Matters

Three days may seem fleeting, but moments like these plant seeds for bigger shifts. This appointment is a nod to women in power and a subtle signal that experience and stability remain valued in South African governance. It also gently shapes future expectations about who can lead the nation.