POLITICAL analysts have said that DA leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, replacing John Steenhuisen as minister of Agriculture, has less to do with internal fights and more with him wanting to carve out his own lane, and making sure people deliver on their promise of “the DA difference”.
Early on Wednesday, Hill-Lewis announced that after careful assessment of the DA’s team in the Government of National Unity (GNU), he wrote to President Ramaphosa setting out several changes to the Democratic Alliance’s representation in Cabinet.
“It is my judgement that the renewed team announced today will strengthen the DA’s contribution to government and give better effect to the mandate received from 3.5 million voters in the 2024 elections,” he said.
The changes include: minister Willie Aucamp will be replacing John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier will take up the position of minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Steenhuisen will replace Alexandra Abrahams as deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, while she moves to the role of deputy minister of Electricity and Energy.
Yusuf Cassim, who has served on the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, will be appointed deputy minister of Higher Education and Training.
Jack Bloom, the longest-serving member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, will take up the position of deputy minister of Water and Sanitation.
Image supplied (No laughing matter. John Steenhuisen has been demoted as Agriculture Minister. He’s recorded with Finance Minister.)
