POLITICS

The DA's new shadow cabinet - Mmusi Maimane

Diverse group of MPs comprises talented South Africans from all walks of life

The DA’s new Shadow Cabinet ready to make Parliament work for the people

Note to Editors: the following statement was delivered today by DA Leader, Mmusi Maimane, at a press briefing in Parliament, Cape Town. Maimane was joined by DA Chief Whip, John Steenhuisen, DA Deputy Chief Whip, Jacques Julius and DA National Spokesperson, Solly Malatsi. 

Today, I am proud to announce the DA’s new Shadow Cabinet. This diverse group of MPs - comprising of talented South Africans from all walks of life - will hold national government accountable for the exercise of their powers, while putting forward fresh ideas and credible alternatives to the plans and policies of national government.

The people of South Africa re-elected the DA as the country’s Official Opposition in this 6thParliament, and we do not take this privilege and responsibility for granted. We will work each and every day to ensure that this Parliament works for the people. We will do so by committing to:

1. Fulfil our constitutional mandate, in terms of Chapter 4 of the Constitution, to hold every exercise of public power by the National Executive to account. Through motions, oral and written questions, and persistent work in parliamentary committees, we will not allow the ruling party to relegate Parliament to a toothless lapdog of the executive;

2. Oppose damaging legislation, regulations and government policy that does not have the best interests of the nation at heart; and

3. Propose credible, workable and implementable alternatives before Parliament, including policy papers, alternative budgets, and Private Members Bills.

Our work will focus on an Agenda for Reform. The most pressing of these is the need for urgent economic reform. In this light, we will use Parliament to table our Jobs Bill and Cheaper Energy Bill, focus on city-led economic growth, fight for labour legislation reform, oppose any changes to the Reserve Bank independence and mandate, propose alternatives to the current State Owned Entity (SOE) ownership framework, propose alternatives to the current Mining Charter, and oppose threats to the economy and fiscus such as NHI and expropriation of property and land without compensation.

It is with this that I present to you the DA’s Shadow Cabinet:

 Ministry

Shadow Minister

Shadow Deputy Minister

The Minister in the Presidency

Solly Malatsi

Ghaleb Cachalia

The Ministry in the Presidency: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

Luyolo Mphithi

Nazley Sharif

The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services

Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach

Werner Horn

The Ministry of Public Service and Administration

Leon Schreiber

Michelle Clarke

The Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans

Kobus Marais

Maliyakhe Shelembe

The Ministry of Home Affairs

Joe McGluwa

Angel Khanyile

The Ministry of State Security

Dianne Kohler Barnard

Dr Mimmy Gondwe

The Ministry of Police

Andrew Whitfield

Okkie Terblanche

The Ministry of Trade and Industry

Dean Macpherson

Mathew Cuthbert

The Ministry of Finance

Geordin Hill-Lewis

Dr Dion George

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Annette Steyn

Thandeka Mbabama

The Ministry of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

Leon Basson

Emma Powell

The Ministry of Basic Education

Nomsa Marchesi

Desiree van der Walt

The Ministry of Health

Siviwe Gwarube

Lindy Wilson

The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation

Darren Bergman

Mergan Chetty

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology

Prof. Belinda Bozzoli

Baxolile Nodada

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries

James Lorimer

Hannah Winkler

The Ministry of Transport

Chris Hunsinger

Thami Mabhena

The Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy

Kevin Mileham

Cheryl Phillips

The Ministry of Social Development

Bridget Masango

Thandi Mpambo - Sibukhwane

The Ministry of Public Enterprises

Natasha Mazzone

Erik Marais

The Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture

Tsepo Mhlongo

Veronica Van Dyk

The Ministry of Employment and Labour

Dr Michael Cardo

Michael Bagraim

The Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure

Patricia Kopane

Samantha Graham

The Ministry of Small Business Development

Zakhele Mbhele

Henro Kruger

The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Haniff Hoosen

Cilliers Brink

The Ministry of Communications and Telecommunications

Phumzile Van Damme

Cameron Mackenzie

The Ministry of Tourism

Manny De Freitas

Hlanganani Gumbi

SCOPA

Alf Lees

Benedicta Van Minnen

SCOAG

Phillip De Lange

Eleanore Bouw-Spies

Appropriations

Denis Joseph

Ashor Sarupen

This Shadow Cabinet will officially meet every fortnight. The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss the upcoming legislative agenda; to deliberate on new policies, debates, and motions; and to table any other matters.

I am confident that our Shadow Cabinet possesses the requisite skills, experience and expertise to bring forward innovative alternatives to move our country forward. Comprising of youth and experience, academics and activists, orators and operators - I am proud to lead this Shadow Cabinet.

We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work in furthering the cause of democracy and fighting for a future South Africa that belongs to all.

Issued by 5 June 2019