The President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new coalition government after his ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), lost its majority in parliament in elections in May.
He said that “the government of national unity… is unprecedented in the history of our democracy”.
The ANC will have 20 of the 32 cabinet posts, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) – so far the main opposition party – will have six. Six other portfolios are shared by smaller parties.
The ANC’s decline in support at the election reflected popular frustration over the party’s poor performance in delivering basic services and tackling unemployment, poverty and corruption.
The ANC under Nelson Mandela achieved its goal of ending white minority rule in South Africa in 1994.
In the new cabinet, the ANC will retain key ministries such as defense, finance and foreign affairs.
The prosecutor’s portfolios include internal affairs and public works. Party leader John Steenhuisen will lead the Ministry of Agriculture.
In a televised address on Sunday, Mr Ramaphosa said: “The new government will prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and the creation of a more just society.”
The ANC welcomed the move as “an important step forward and a testament to the resilience of our democracy”.
Meanwhile, the prosecutor said it was “proud to take up the challenge and take our place in the seat of national government for the first time”.
It also promised “good governance, zero tolerance for corruption and pragmatic policymaking”.
Despite a coalition agreement with the cabinet, major political differences remain between the ANC and the DA.
Perhaps the biggest and most controversial issues are the DA’s opposition to the ANC’s national healthcare policy and to its black economic empowerment program.
In the May elections, the ANC received 40% of the vote, while the DA received 22%.
