Zuko Komisa

- DA Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has formally requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to restructure the Democratic Alliance’s ministerial and deputy ministerial deployment within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
- Longstanding leader John Steenhuisen will step down as Minister of Agriculture to become Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, being replaced by Willie Aucamp.
- The administrative overhaul introduces veterans like Jack Bloom and David Maynier into the national executive to enforce strict public service standards and accelerate economic growth.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced a significant reshuffle of its executive team within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
DA Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed on Wednesday that he has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to request strategic changes to the party’s representation in the national Cabinet, aiming to enhance accountability and public service delivery.
Under the new configuration, Willie Aucamp will replace John Steenhuisen as the Minister of Agriculture. Aucamp’s immediate priority will be resolving ongoing legal battles surrounding Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) and expanding international market access.
Steenhuisen will subsequently transition into the role of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, focusing on industrial growth and job creation. Meanwhile, seasoned politician David Maynier is set to take over as the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The reshuffle also introduces key changes across several deputy ministerial portfolios.
Alexandra Abrahams moves from Trade to become the Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, whilst Yusuf Cassim is designated as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Additionally, veteran Gauteng legislature member Jack Bloom will step into national governance as the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
“It is my firm expectation that each person representing the DA in government must unmistakably demonstrate the ‘DA difference’ in action. That requires government rooted in our philosophical outlook, with higher standards of public service, and absolute commitment to integrity.”
According to Hill-Lewis, the structural adjustments follow a rigorous performance assessment of the DA’s governance footprint.
The party maintains that the refreshed line-up will ultimately strengthen its contribution to the coalition government and better honour the mandate given by its 3.5 million voters.
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