Ramaphosa hails new Cabinet, calls it a significant moment for democracy

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa says the swearing-in of a new Government of National Unity (GNU) is a significant moment in the country's democracy.  

Writing in his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa says the GNU has made good on its promise to work together and to deliver a government that will be united in action and purpose.  

Ramaphosa announced an expanded executive on Sunday as he dished out ministerial jobs across the political spectrum to appease the eleven political partners.  
  
He says his new government provides a firm basis for greater stability, coherence and a focus on implementation.

Ramaphosa says the formation of multi-party governments in some of the world's established democracies is often protracted and fraught with challenges.  
  
Ramaphosa says reaching this pivotal point just four weeks after the polls is a credit to the constitutional order.  

He says it's also a testament to the authentic and collaborative spirit that has underpinned negotiations. 

This is despite last week being marked by the leaks of strong-worded letters that were exchanged between him and Democratic Alliance (DA) leaders over positions.

Ramaphosa says although the new ministers and deputy ministers come from different parties they will be expected to serve South Africans as a whole.  

The new government will soon hold its first Lekgotla to develop a programme of action for the next five years, which Ramaphosa says he will outline in greater detail in his opening of parliament address in two weeks.