‘The streets are calling,’ Malema says as Ramaphosa’s new Cabinet draws mixed reactions

Julius Malema

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new Cabinet on Sunday night, receiving mixed reactions due to its inclusion of members from multiple parties like the DA, PA, FF Plus, and UDM, which led to a larger Cabinet despite earlier commitments to reduce its size.

Ramaphosa justified the changes by citing the need for inclusivity and focus on key issues.

“In the course of the sixth democratic administration, we indicated our intention to reduce the number of portfolios in the National Executive. However, due to the need to ensure that the National Executive is inclusive of all the parties to the Government of National Unity, this has not been possible.

“In some instances, we have considered it necessary to separate certain portfolios to ensure that there is sufficient focus on key issues,” Ramaphosa said.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, however, criticised the bloated Cabinet and the partnership between the ANC and DA, calling for protests.

“The streets are calling; picket lines are part of the theatre of politics. Our generation can’t be part of the betrayal of generations before us, now or never,” said Malema.

Mmusi Maimane of Build One South Africa and Herman Mashaba’s ActionSA also condemned the expanded Cabinet and its associated costs, highlighting a deviation from promises to streamline the government.

“This was on the cards from as early as 2021 despite assurances to the contrary by both parties.

“This is now one of the largest national executives we’ve seen in democratic South Africa,” said Maimane.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by