John Steenhuisen has been demoted to a Deputy Minister position. Sebastian Gollnow/dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP
JOHANNESBURG - John Steenhuisen has been demoted to a deputy minister position. He will be replaced by Willie Aucamp as Agriculture Minister.
This follows a request by Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis. Steenhuisen will replace Alexandra Abrahams as deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Hill-Lewis said in a statement that the renewed team announced will strengthen the party’s contribution to the government of national unity.
"Aucamp’s immediate mandate is to resolve ongoing legal proceedings relating to FMD, to work with the entire sector to overcome the crisis and restore confidence through accelerated practical steps to bring the crisis under control," the statement read.
David Maynier will now take up the position of Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Alexandra Abrahams moves to the role of deputy minister of Electricity and Energy, while Yusuf Cassim, who has served on the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, will be appointed deputy minister of Higher Education and Training.
Jack Bloom 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," Hill-Lewis wrote.