Ramaphosa tells new DA ministers: no opposition politics inside the GNU

President Cyril Ramaphosa urged unity among members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) as five new ministers and deputy ministers were sworn into office following changes to the National Executive.

Unity message at Union Buildings after swearing-in

Ramaphosa delivered his remarks to David Maynier after Maynier took the oath of office at the Union Buildings. The president told the newly appointed Forestry Minister from the Democratic Alliance (DA) that members of the GNU are expected to govern together despite their political differences.

“Now we are no longer on two sides, we are on one side. There are no longer those oppositional things,” Ramaphosa told Maynier.

Who was sworn in

The swearing-in formalised appointments announced by the president on Tuesday night. The changes saw five new ministers and deputy ministers from the African National Congress (ANC) and the DA take office following consultations with the DA.

Under Section 91 of the Constitution, Ramaphosa appointed David John Maynier as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development. Both ministers were sworn in by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Nonkosi Mhlantla.

Deputy ministerial appointments

Ramaphosa also announced three deputy ministerial appointments under Section 93 of the Constitution. The appointees who took the oath during Wednesday’s ceremony were:

• John Henry Steenhuisen sworn in as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
• Dr Jack Bloom sworn in as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
• Yusuf Cassim sworn in as Deputy Minister of Higher Education

Context

The appointments form part of the latest Cabinet changes under the GNU, which was formed after the 2024 general election brought the ANC and DA into government together.