[imagesource:wikicommons]

After a few weeks of back and forth, a very tired-looking Cyril Ramaphosa held a late-night ‘family meeting’ on Sunday to announce South Africa’s new cabinet.

The live announcement was scheduled for 9PM last night but eventually got off to a weary start around 10PM.

While some ministries seemed to focus on ‘continuity’, President Ramaphosa announced a few surprises, which we are sure will be celebrated and slammed in the week ahead.

But just in case you missed it, here’s a full list of your new monsters, sorry ministers, and their deputies:

Deputy President: Paul Mashatile

Minister of Agriculture: John Steenhuisen; Deputy: Rosemary Nokuzola Capa

Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development: Mzwanele Nyhontso; Deputy: Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.

Minister of Basic Education: Siviwe Gwarube; Deputy: Reginah Mhaule.

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies: Solly Malatsi; Deputy: Mondli Gungubele.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA): Velinkosi Hlabisa; Deputies: Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe.

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans: Angie Motshekga; Deputies: Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo.

Minister of Electricity and Energy: Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy: Samantha Graham-Maré.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation: Blade Nzimande; Deputy: Nomalungelo Gina.

Minister of Employment and Labour: Nomakhosazana Meth; Deputies: Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina.

Minister of Finance: Enoch Godongwana; Deputies: David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE): Dion George; Deputies: Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts.

Minister of Health: Aaron Motsoaledi; Deputy: Joe Phaahla.

Minister of Higher Education: Nobuhle Nkabane; Deputies: Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe.

Minister of Home Affairs: Leon Schreiber; Deputy: Njabulo Nzuza.

Minister of Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi; Deputy: Tandi Mahambehlala.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Ronald Lamola; Deputies: Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Thembi Nkadimeng; Deputy: Andries Nel.

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Gwede Mantashe; Deputy: Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala.

Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Maropene Ramokgopa; Deputy: Seiso Mohai.

Minister of Police: Senzo Mchunu; Deputies: Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.

Minister in the Presidency: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Deputies: Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong.

Minister of Public Service and Administration: Mzamo Buthelezi; Deputy: Pinky Kekana.

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: Dean Macpherson; Deputy: Sihle Zikalala.

Minister of Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Deputy: Jane Sithole.

Minister of Social Development: Sisisi Tolashe; Deputy: Ganief Hendricks.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture: Gayton McKenzie; Deputy: Peace Mabe.

Minister of Tourism: Patricia De Lille; Deputy: Maggie Sotyu.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition: Parks Tau; Deputies: Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield.

Minister of Transport: Barbara Creecy; Deputy: Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

Minister of Water and Sanitation: Pemmy Majodina; Deputies: David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.

Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Sindisiwe Chikunga; Deputy: Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.

Minister of Correctional Services: Pieter Groenewald; Deputy: Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.

South Africans will likely spend most of Monday digesting the full list (and Googling who some of these people are), but the full list seems to indicate a good representation across the various parties.

Most rational people would, however, agree that the inclusion of Gwede Mantashe as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and Blade Nzimande as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation are the standout bummers.

The DA also seemed to have gotten their share of the pie, albeit smaller than they would have liked, and it’s anyone’s guess what Gaytong Mckenzie will do with our sports, arts and culture. The VF+ holding a minister position must also be one of the more interesting appointments.

With the elections now done, and the ministers all given keys to their portfolios, it is time for our much-talked-about GNU to get on with business. South Africans need and deserve proper governance, so get it done people.

We’ll be watching you.

[source:ewn]