President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Willie Aucamp as the new Minister of Agriculture, replacing John Steenhuisen in a cabinet reshuffle prompted by changes to the Democratic Alliance’s ministerial deployment.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
The cabinet changes were confirmed in official letters dated 30 June, following a proposal submitted by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis requesting a comprehensive reorganisation of the party’s cabinet representatives. Ramaphosa approved all the proposed changes.
Steenhuisen, who served as Minister of Agriculture since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), has been redeployed as Deputy Minister in the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Aucamp, who previously served as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, now takes charge of a sector that has experienced steady growth despite ongoing challenges, including biosecurity threats, climate variability, and the need to accelerate transformation and improve market access for emerging farmers.
The reshuffle follows several days of speculation after reports emerged that the DA intended to realign its cabinet deployment as part of an internal review of government responsibilities. The proposal submitted by Hill-Lewis also recommended the reassignment of several deputy ministers and the removal of three deputy ministers from the executive.
Ramaphosa accepted all the recommendations contained in the DA’s submission, making this one of the most significant changes to the party’s representation in the national executive since the GNU was established.
Also read: Steenhuisen out: DA reshuffles agriculture minister position as FMD crisis continues
Continuity and new priorities
The agriculture sector will now look to Aucamp to build on existing programmes aimed at strengthening food security, improving farmer support, expanding export opportunities, and addressing persistent animal disease outbreaks affecting livestock production and international trade.
Steenhuisen’s tenure as Minister of Agriculture was marked by efforts to strengthen partnerships between government and organised agriculture, improve biosecurity measures and expand market access for South African agricultural products. His move to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is expected to keep him involved in economic development, albeit in a different capacity.
Further announcements on the appointment of deputy ministers and the handover of departmental responsibilities are expected in the coming days.
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