Editor's note: This article has been edited after publication.
JOHANNESBURG - Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to have John Steenhuisen removed as the Minister of Agriculture.
Hill-Lewis wants Steenhuisen to be demoted to a deputy minister position and replaced by Willie Aucamp as Agriculture Minister.
If Geordin Hill-Lewis has his way, 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.
Hill-Lewis wants David Maynier to take up the position of Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Alexandra Abrahams would move to the role of deputy minister of Electricity and Energy, while Yusuf Cassim, who has served on the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, would be appointed deputy minister of Higher Education and Training.
Jack Bloom would 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," the statement said in part.