Written by: Errol Naidoo
President Cyril Ramaphosa finally announced his Cabinet on Sunday 30 June following 10 days of intense negotiations. It appears Ramaphosa has not learned much from the ANC’s losses at the polls on 29 May. The Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet which consists of 32 ministers and 43 deputy-ministers is unjustifiably bloated by any measure.
Ramaphosa said executive appointments must reflect the performance of parties in the General Elections. However, ANC MP’s got 62,5% of Cabinet and 76,7% of deputy minister positions including President and Deputy President despite securing only 40% of votes.
Paul Mashatile’s appointment as Deputy President contradicts Ramaphosa’s commitment to combat corruption. Mashatile is implicated in serious corruption. ANC MP’s include former sports, arts and culture minister, Zizi Kodwa who was arrested for corruption recently and several others fingered in State Capture corruption in the Zondo Commission.
On the brighter side, key portfolios like Justice, Correctional Services, Police, Basic Education, Home Affairs, Social Development, Trade and Industry and Transport all have new ministers. Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi returns to the Health portfolio with former Health Minister, Joe Phaahla serving as his deputy. Angie Motshekga is Minister of Defence??
Former DA chief whip, Siviwe Gwarube was appointed Minister of Basic Education. Education standards declined considerably during Motshekga’s tenure. It remains to be seen whether Gwarube will follow her predecessor’s example and push CSE and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in schools. The DA endorses SOGI policies.
DA MP, Leon Schreiber is the new Minister of Home Affairs. What Schreiber’s appointment will mean for the “Single Marriage Bill” remains to be seen. This Bill seeks to redefine marriage and equate it with same-sex and transgender unions. The three current marriage laws will be abolished thereby removing religious freedom protections for marriage officers.
Thembi Nkadimeng is the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. ANC MP, Andries Nel returns as Deputy Minister of Justice replacing John Jeffrey. In 2013, Nel ordered a Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) investigation of a Christian training center in Bloemfontein for alleged discrimination. Nel claimed, Biblical views on homosexuality is what drives crime and violence against LGBTQ people – without providing evidence.
Creare Training Centre in Bloemfontein was found guilty of “human rights violations” by the SAHRC “for discriminating against homosexuals” based purely on the Biblical text in its prospectus. Pastor Cornelis van Heyningen was ordered to amend Creare’s constitution and attend “sensitisation workshops” conducted by the Institute for Social Justice and Reconciliation Studies in collaboration with the South African Council of Churches.
Presumably, Andries Nel will instigate hate crimes investigations against Christian citizens for expressing their Biblical beliefs and convictions on sexual sin – emboldened by the recently enacted “Hate Speech and Hate Crimes” laws. And like his predecessor, John Jeffrey, will probably push for the full decriminalisation of the sex industry in South Africa.
Tragically, the DA also views prostitution as a human rights issue and supports the legalization of so-called “sex work” in SA despite overwhelming evidence of exploitation and abuse. However, the public’s contributions can make the difference when formulating policy on prostitution law reform. Lobbying the members of the GNU becomes a vital task.
Senzo Mchunu’s appointment as Minister of Police must be an improvement to Bheki Cele. Crime and violence reached crisis levels under Cele’s inept leadership. Mchunu has a massive task recalibrating SAPS to ensure it fulfils its critical safety and security mandate.
We must be thankful the GNU is finally in place. It could have been much worse. Christian citizens must continue to pray for SA – especially for those in authority. I am counting on your prayers, partnership, and participation as we actively engage the 7th Parliament.
Standing
Errol Naidoo
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Date published: 02/07/2024
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