Speaking on Monday 6 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the cabinet reshuffle. Among this reshuffle, is the establishment of two new ministries.
The first is the Minister of Electricity, and the second is the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
The newly appointed Minister of Electricity is Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, while Maropene Ramokgopa has been appointed as the Minister responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
The Minister of Electricity will face the tough task of dealing with the crisis of loadshedding, while the Minister responsible for Planning, monitoring and Evaluation will oversee the performance of government.
Other changes to the cabinet include shuffles within other departments, including a change in the Deputy President. Following former Deputy President, David Mabuza's request to resign, Paul Mashatile has been appointed as the new Deputy President.
Other major changes within the cabinet reshuffle include:
-Appointed as the Minister in the Presidency is Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,
- Appointed as the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,
- Appointed as the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Maropene Ramokgopa,
- Appointed as the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity is Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa,
- Appointed as the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Mr Mondli Gungubele,
- Appointed as the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Ms Thembi Nkadimeng,
- Appointed as the Minister of Public Service and Administration is Ms Noxolo Kiviet,
- Appointed as the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Mr Sihle Zikalala,
- Appointed as the Minister of Sports Arts and Culture is Mr Zizi Kodwa,
- Appointed as the Minister of Tourism is Ms Patricia de Lille,
- Appointed as the Minister of Transport is Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga.
While the announcement of the two new ministries means that there will be an increase in the number of ministries, the President clarified that the overall number will be reduced going forward.
This could possibly see departments merging and becoming multi-functional.