Ramaphosa will announce 'inclusive’ cabinet after inauguration - Mbalula
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that the new cabinet will include members from various political parties which form part of the government of national unity.
President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the cabinet after his inauguration, which is set for Wednesday.
Ramaphosa was re-elected during the first sitting of the National Assembly on Friday.
Briefing the media after the first sitting of the National Council of Provinces on Saturday, Mbalula said the overwhelming support for Ramaphosa represents a vote of confidence in the resilience and stability of South Africa's democracy.
"His election reflects the tremendous confidence of South Africans across society in his leadership and in his ability to lead the country into a new era.
“The results of yesterday’s elections of leadership for two critical arms of state (legislatures and executive) affirms the ANC’s initiative to advocate for the coming together in a government of national unity in the interests of all South Africa," says Mbalula.
Mbalula also pointed out that the ANC is leads seven out of nine provinces were premiers have been elected.
In Limpopo, the province is now led by Phophi Ramathuba, in Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi retained his position, while Oscar Mabuyane also retained his position as Eastern Cape premier.
In Mpumalanga the position was taken by Mandla Ndlovu, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae replaced Mxolisi Dukwana as the premier of the Free State, Zamani Saul retained his position as the Northern Cape premier.
As part of the government of national unity agreement, the ANC supported IFP's Thami Ntuli who was elected as the premier of KZN.
He defeated Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza of the MK Party with 41 to 39 votes.
The DA continues to lead the Western Cape where Alan Winde retained his position.
On the government of national unity, Mbalula said all parties in the government of national unity have finalised foundational principles that will guide their partnership.
A document, titled Statement of Intent of the 2024 Government of National Unity will serve as a guideline.
"The Statement of Intent categorically places the needs of the South African people first, as expressed in the proposed Minimum Programme for the 7th administration, including the focus on economic inclusion, industrialisation, transformation and job creation, protection of workers’ and women’s rights, improving and extending basic services and tackling the high cost of living, investing in people through education, skills and health; the fight against corruption and crime, and progressive foreign policy that reflects our national values and interests," said Mbalula.
Mbalula said the parties also made a commitment to an all-inclusive national dialogue process with parties, civil society, labour, business and other sectors to discuss critical challenges facing the nation.
"The national Dialogue process will seek to develop a national social compact that enables the country to meet the overarching aspirations of the National Development Plan, to eliminate poverty and significantly reduce inequality towards 2030," he said.
