Gayton McKenzie is sworn in as South Africa's new sports minister at Cape Town International Convention Centre on Wednesday. The new National Executive constitutes the seventh democratic administration as a government of national unity. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach) 
The country’s newly formed government of national unity (GNU) was officially sworn into office on Wednesday. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new Cabinet on Sunday, following weeks of political manoeuvring after his ANC party lost its parliamentary majority in the 29 May elections.
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On Wednesday, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presided over the proceedings, administering the oath of office to Cabinet members pulled from the different political parties making up the GNU.
Each minister and deputy minister affirmed before the Chief Justice that they would be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and would obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic.
They also undertook to hold office as minister/deputy minister with honour and dignity; to be a true and faithful counsellor; not to divulge directly or indirectly any secret matter entrusted to them; and to perform the functions of their office conscientiously and to the best of their ability.
Under the power-sharing agreement, the ANC retained 20 of the 32 ministerial positions, while the DA and smaller parties filled the remaining seats. This arrangement marked a significant shift in South African politics, with former rivals now set to collaborate in the nation’s highest offices.
DA leader John Steenhuisen has been appointed as the new minister of agriculture, a key portfolio given the country’s economic challenges and the importance of the agricultural sector. This appointment is seen as a critical concession to the opposition, aimed at ensuring the DA’s cooperation in the GNU.
Siviwe Gwarube of the DA, the youngest minister in the new Cabinet, will take on the role of minister of basic education. Gwarube expressed her commitment to the challenging role ahead, stating before today’s ceremony: “The future of the country rests on how well this department that I lead does its work. For now, I am still minister-designate until sworn into office.”
Six DA deputy ministers have been appointed, with Ashor Sarupen having scored the position of deputy finance minister. This will see him work alongside Enoch Godongwana, who has retained his position as the head of the National Treasury. Sarupen will share the deputy position with David Masondo, who served in the position in the sixth administration.
Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks is deputy minister of social development and Pieter Groenewald of the Freedom Front Plus is minister of correctional services.
Notably, Senzo Mchunu has replaced Bheki Cele as the police minister. Cele has not been redeployed to another ministry.
Among the new ministers is Gayton McKenzie, appointed as minister of sport, arts, and culture. McKenzie, who has a colourful and controversial past, brought a moment of levity to the ceremony. Reflecting on his transformation from a convicted bank robber to a political leader, he joked with Justice Zondo: “The last time a judge told me to sit, they made me sit for 10 years.”
McKenzie’s journey from a 15-year prison sentence for armed robery to a motivational speaker and now a Cabinet minister highlights the diverse and sometimes unexpected paths of South Africa’s leaders. As the head of the Patriotic Alliance, McKenzie’s inclusion in the Cabinet marks his party’s first foray into national governance in its 10-year existence.
With the swearing-in complete, the new ministers are set to immediately tackle their duties. Official handovers from outgoing ministers have already commenced in several departments. DM
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