Newly elected Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has moved swiftly to stamp his authority on the party by announcing significant changes to the DA’s representation in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
In a statement released on Tuesday, Hill-Lewis said he had written to President Cyril Ramaphosa outlining a reshuffled team that he believes will strengthen the DA’s contribution to government and better reflect the mandate received from the party’s 3.5 million voters during the 2024 general elections.
Among the most notable changes is the appointment of Willie Aucamp as the new Minister of Agriculture, replacing former DA leader John Steenhuisen. Hill-Lewis praised Steenhuisen’s work in expanding market access for South African agricultural products and addressing the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak during his tenure.
According to Hill-Lewis, Aucamp’s immediate priority will be to address ongoing legal challenges related to FMD, work with stakeholders to contain the disease, restore confidence in the sector, and continue efforts to open new export markets for South African agricultural products.
David Maynier has been appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Hill-Lewis described Maynier as an experienced public servant with a strong track record in both Parliament and the Western Cape Government.
Meanwhile, Steenhuisen will remain in the national executive as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, where he is expected to focus on expanding market access, promoting industrial growth, improving competitiveness, and supporting job creation initiatives.
Alexandra Abrahams has been reassigned as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy. Hill-Lewis said her determination and reform-oriented approach would strengthen one of South Africa’s most critical economic portfolios.
The DA leader also announced the appointment of Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Cassim has previously served on Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and has extensive experience in student leadership.
Veteran Gauteng politician Jack Bloom has been appointed Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation. Bloom is widely known as the longest-serving member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and a long-standing advocate for accountability and good governance.
Hill-Lewis said the changes reflect the Democratic Alliance’s commitment to accountability, high performance standards, and responsiveness to the needs of South Africans.
“It is my firm expectation that each person representing the DA in government must unmistakably demonstrate the DA difference in action,” Hill-Lewis said.
He added that every decision taken by the party leadership is aimed at advancing an open and opportunity-driven society where all South Africans can improve their quality of life.
The reshuffle marks Hill-Lewis’s first major intervention as DA leader and signals his intention to place his own stamp on the party’s role within the Government of National Unity.
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