South Africa: No more party politics in Cabinet, Ramaphosa tells GNU ministers

President Cyril Ramaphosa cautioned ministers and deputy ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU) against presenting collective government successes as achievements of their own political parties. His statement came after two days of intense debate in a joint session of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, where members of Parliament discussed and criticised his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). Opposition parties rejected several of his proposals, accusing him of repeatedly failing to deliver on past promises. The GNU was established after the African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority in the May 2024 elections and entered into a coalition government.

The DA has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the coalition but has remained, saying it aims to grow the economy, create jobs and fight corruption.

During the SONA debate on Tuesday and Wednesday, ministers and deputy ministers delivered speeches, while MPs spoke on behalf of their respective parties.

“When they are out on the streets, they campaign for their parties. But in the Cabinet, there are no parties,” Ramaphosa said.

There are no ANC or DA or IFP or PA or UDM or GOOD or FF Plus or PAC or Al Jama-ah ministries.

“Every minister and deputy minister is part of a collective, working together to implement a common programme, the Medium Term Development Plan.

“No minister or deputy minister should be claiming their work in the GNU as an achievement of their party,” he warned.

His comments come as some ministers and deputies continue to claim credit for portfolio successes on behalf of their parties, including members of both the ANC and the DA.

Ramaphosa said that in many cases, the foundations for current achievements were laid before incumbents took office and that much of the work would continue after they leave.