Angie Motshekga Steps In as Acting President While Ramaphosa Heads to G7

With both the president and his deputy abroad, an experienced hand returns to the helm

For the fourth time in recent years, South Africans woke up to the news that Angie Motshekga is once again holding the country’s top office even if only temporarily.

The long-serving cabinet minister, now heading the Defence and Military Veterans portfolio, was officially appointed Acting President of the Republic from June 17 to 19, 2025, while President Cyril Ramaphosa travels to Canada for the annual G7 Leadership Summit.

In a twist that highlights South Africa’s increasingly global diplomatic calendar, Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also out of the country, currently on a working visit to the Russian Federation, where he’s focusing on deepening trade and economic ties between the two nations.

A Familiar Face in the Top Job

If this feels like déjà vu, it’s because it is.

Motshekga has quietly become one of the most frequently appointed acting presidents in the post-Mbeki era. She’s previously held the position in 2019, 2021, and most recently, August 2024. For many, she’s become the de facto “stand-in president” whenever the top two executives are away.

And while there’s been little fanfare this time, political watchers note that Motshekga’s repeated selection reflects a high level of trust from the Presidency, especially given her seniority, experience, and longstanding presence in government.

On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from warm wishes to jabs at the rotating nature of South Africa’s acting presidency:

“Mama Angie back in the chair? Steady hands while the boys globe-trot. We’re safe.”
“Can we just make her official at this point? She’s had more acting gigs than a soapie star.”

What’s Happening Abroad?

President Ramaphosa is attending the G7 Leadership Summit in Canada, where he’ll join other invited leaders for Outreach Sessions, a key feature of the G7’s efforts to engage with developing economies and “like-minded partners.”

Although South Africa isn’t a member of the G7 (comprised of the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada), the country’s voice has become increasingly important in discussions about climate change, global peace, financial inclusion, and Africa’s role in the global economy.

Meanwhile, Mashatile’s visit to Russia is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in energy, mining, agriculture, and automotive industries. His itinerary also includes science and technology discussions, signalling a focus on future-facing partnerships.

Russia remains a somewhat controversial partner for South Africa, particularly given global geopolitical tensions, but the two countries continue to enjoy close economic and diplomatic ties — especially under the BRICS framework.

Why It Matters

Though symbolic on the surface, the rotation of acting presidents offers insight into power dynamics and succession planning within the ANC-led government. Motshekga’s repeated appointments suggest she’s seen as a trusted institutional anchor, particularly when both top leaders are abroad.

It also reflects how South Africa is increasingly engaged on the global stage, requiring the president and deputy to juggle local governance with international diplomacy.

But there’s a quiet message in all this too: the machinery of government doesn’t grind to a halt in their absence and perhaps that’s the sign of a maturing democracy.

For now, South Africans can rest assured that a familiar face is holding the reins, even if only for 72 hours.

{Source: The Citizen}

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