Constitutional Appointments: President Ramaphosa Adjusts National Executive

Posted 30 June 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Government and Constitution

Brought to you by SAnews: President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced changes to the National Executive, appointing new Ministers and Deputy Ministers across several key portfolios including Agriculture, Trade, and Environmental Affairs.

In terms of section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which empowers the President to select Ministers from among the members of the National Assembly, the following ministerial appointments have been made:

  • Willem Aucamp as the Minister of Agriculture;
  • David Maynier as the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; and
  • Dina Pule as the Minister of Social Development, filling the vacancy created by the removal of former minister Sisisi Tolashe.

Furthermore, in terms of section 93(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which provides for the appointment of Deputy Ministers from the National Assembly, the President has appointed:

  • John Steenhuisen as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition;
  • Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy;
  • Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation; and
  • Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; maintain awareness of the updated executive leadership for professional reference.
  • For your business: Update corporate governance records, stakeholder engagement strategies, and government relations directories to reflect the new leadership in the DTIC, DFFE, and other affected departments.
  • For your clients: Advise clients with pending regulatory approvals, environmental authorisations, or trade policy submissions within these portfolios to prepare for potential transitional administrative timelines as the new executive members assume office.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/president-ramaphosa-makes-changes-national-executive

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