DA reshuffles cabinet as Steenhuisen demoted to deputy minister
Today’s briefing covers a significant reshuffle within the Democratic Alliance’s leadership roles in the national government, a legal challenge by the MK party against the recent election results, and new housing developments in Limpopo. We also look at a human rights ruling protecting the rights of farm dwellers.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced a reshuffle of its representatives within the Government of National Unity (GNU) cabinet. Party leader John Steenhuisen has been moved from his role as Minister of Agriculture to become the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. Other changes include Leon Aucamp taking over the agriculture portfolio and Jack Bloom being appointed as the deputy for water and sanitation. The party stated that these changes are intended to better reflect DA values within the coalition government.
Former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party is taking the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to court over the 2024 national and provincial elections. The party alleges that the polls were rigged and is seeking a legal review of the results. This legal action follows long-standing claims by the party regarding the integrity of the 2024 election process.
The Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has delivered 4,500 low-cost houses to residents in the province. However, MEC Basikopo Makamu has warned beneficiaries that these homes cannot be sold or transferred for at least eight years without government approval. Under the Housing Act, informal sales of these properties are illegal, and the department expressed concern that such sales leave residents without legal security over their homes.
In a human rights ruling, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has ordered farmer Christoffel van der Walt to restore grazing rights to farm dwellers within 21 days. The commission found that the farmer violated tenure rights by fencing off land and cutting off grazing access. While the SAHRC dismissed separate claims regarding shootings and forced evictions, it ruled that the farmer must also allow visitors to access the farm dwellers.
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