New Minister of Social Development Dina Pule
President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to appoint former communications minister Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development has drawn fierce criticism from the Democratic Alliance (DA), which argues that a politician previously found guilty of serious ethical breaches should not be entrusted with one of government's most important portfolios.
The Presidency announced the Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday evening following consultations with Democratic Alliance leaders as part of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The changes affected six ministries and led to the appointment of several DA members to ministerial and deputy ministerial positions.
Among the appointments, Willem Aucamp was named Minister of Agriculture, while David Maynier was appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. DA leader John Steenhuisen was appointed Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, with Alexandra Abrahams, Jack Bloom and Yusuf Cassim taking up deputy ministerial roles in Electricity and Energy, Water and Sanitation, and Higher Education respectively.
However, it was Pule's appointment to the vacant Social Development portfolio that immediately sparked controversy.
