UASA Media Release: 01 July 2024
Image source: www.sundayworld.co.za
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA welcomes pres. Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet appointments and wishes all ministers and deputy ministers appointed to the National Executive all the best in executing their respective portfolios.
We trust the new Cabinet will improve the government’s efficiency in addressing several social and economic cluster challenges our country faces as the Government of National Unity (GNU) finally sets in motion and starts operations.
While some excellent appointments exist, UASA is deeply concerned about the Cabinet size. Ramaphosa could not uphold his promise to significantly downsize the number of portfolios. Will the 32 ministers and 43 deputies, some portfolios separated, and others merged, result in a robust economic cluster and a successful term for the new government?
As a labour organisation, we take special note of the appointment of Nomakhosazana Meth as Minister of Employment and Labour, believing that the new face will bring change to the portfolio, allowing organised labour to engage and bring new ideas to tackle unemployment and improve the economy. Retaining Enoch Godongwana as Minister of Finance and Gwede Mantashe as Mister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources are welcome, signalling some stability and hope for better governance from these leaders.
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Energy and Electricity) and Barbara Creecy (Transport) oversee the country’s economic drivers, Eskom and Transnet. Hopefully, they will bring stability by ensuring a reliable energy supply for the nation and our industries and repairing the national logistics system.
UASA further welcomes all young and female appointees in several portfolios. We believe that gender equality and the inclusion of young people in national governance are steps in the right direction to ensure that the voice of South African youth is included in national policies.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.