Announce New Cabinet, South African President Ramaphosa Collaborates With Former Opposition Leader

JAKARTA - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed former opposition leader John Steenhuisen as minister of agriculture on Sunday, bringing the Democratic Alliance and other parties into his new coalition cabinet.

The African National Congress Party (ANC) President Ramaphosa has been 'forced' to join opposing parties to remain in power, having lost its majority for the first time in three decades in the May 29.

The announcement of the new cabinet of the national unity government follows protracted and sometimes fierce negotiations for weeks.

President Ramaphosa defended Enoch Godongwana from ANC as finance minister, while Ronald Lamola was appointed minister of international relations and cooperation, replacing Naledi Pandor.

Gwede Mantashe remains serving as minister of mineral and petroleum resources, but the president removes energy from his portfolio. The combination of mineral resources has been seen by many as prejudice that supports coal as a source of power generation.

Energy will now be in the portfolio of the Minister of Electricity Kgosiensho Ramokgopa.

"The men and women we appointed to the executive reflect the diversity of our nation," President Ramaphosa said.

"In the spirit of partnership and collaboration, the upcoming government will work together," he continued.

The debate about who will occupy the cabinet seat is the last hurdle to form a government, which is now facing the task of revitalizing a sluggish economy, repairing damaged roads and power plants, creating jobs for an unemployed South African third.

"We look forward to being part of a new era in South Africa's democratic journey, bringing real and real changes to the millions of people who voted for it," Steenhuisen said in a statement after the announcement.

Several small parties also saw their leaders accept cabinet positions.

For decades ANC has relied on its legacy in ending apartheid 30 years ago, when Nelson Mandela came to power and succeeded in reconciling a divided country due to racial, ethnic and class differences.

However, voters became angry with ANC's poor record of providing basic services including water, schools and electricity.

"This is a big change with very few old faces still there, which is a good thing," said Melanie Verwoerd, a political analyst and former South African diplomat.

"In general, I think this is a very positive step and of course very positive that they can really solve it," he said.