Hill-Lewis recommends reshuffle of DA representation in GNU
DA’s Geordin Hill-Lewis has written to the President to recommend changes to DA representationin GNU
Black News 
DA Federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to recommend changes to the party representation in the GNU Cabinet.
Hill-Lewis says this was done after an assessment of the DA’s team in the Government of National Unity.
In a statement, Hill-Lewis says Willie Aucamp will replace John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture, while David Maynier will take up the position of Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Hill-Lewis says, “I have written to President Ramaphosa setting out several changes to the Democratic Alliance’s representation in the National Executive. It is my judgment 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.”
During his tenure, Steenhuisen spearheaded the expansion of market access for South Africa’s agricultural products and made progress in the procurement and distribution of vaccines for Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD), says Hill-Lewis.
Hill-Lewis says, “John Steenhuisen will replace Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, where he will focus on the successes he has achieved in expanding market access, and now adding new areas of work in supporting industrial growth, improving competitiveness, and working with business and labour to help unlock job creation.”
“Abrahams 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.”
“These changes demonstrate Democratic Alliance values in action. We believe in accountability in public office, high standards of performance, and responsiveness to the needs of South Africans…” says Hill-Lewis.
“It is my firm expectation that each person representing the DA in government must unmistakably demonstrate the ‘DA difference’ in action. That requires a government rooted in our philosophical outlook, with higher standards of public service, and absolute commitment to integrity,” he says.
Hill-Lewis says, “In every decision I take, no matter how difficult, I seek to advance the attainment of an open, opportunity society for all – a society in which every person can live a life of value. These changes will enhance the DA’s ability to give effect to that vision for South Africa.”
