South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed new environment and deputy trade ministers from the Democratic Alliance. Willem Aucamp will serve as forestry, fisheries, and environment minister, replacing the DA’s Dion George in the cabinet reshuffle.
Alexandra Abrahams has been named one of two deputy trade, industry, and competition ministers, filling a vacancy left since June. The position opened after Ramaphosa dismissed DA’s Andrew Whitfield for breaking cabinet rules by travelling abroad without prior permission.
Ramaphosa’s office said the appointments were requested by the DA, his party’s main coalition partner, restoring its cabinet representation to 12. The coalition initially formed in June last year, and these appointments bring the DA back to its original number of cabinet posts. The changes reflect ongoing negotiations within South Africa’s coalition government, highlighting political strategy and partnership between the ANC and DA.
The appointments signal Ramaphosa’s intent to maintain stability while balancing party interests within his multi-party cabinet. Observers say the move may strengthen collaboration between parties amid ongoing economic and environmental policy challenges facing South Africa.