PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new government on Sunday with the former opposition parties getting 12 out of 32 portfolios after the ruling ANC lost its outright parliamentary majority.
The ANC kept 20 out of 32 cabinet positions. They included key ministries such as foreign affairs, finance, defence, justice and police.
A statement from the party welcomed the president's announcement as "an important step forward, and a testament to the resilience of our democracy".
The largest coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), will hold six portfolios including home affairs, environment and public works. DA leader John Steenhuisen was appointed Minister of Agriculture.
A statement from the party hailed a "new era in South Africa's democratic journey" where they would have "zero tolerance for corruption".
The IFP, Patriotic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus and other smaller parties got six cabinet places between them.
They included responsibility for land reform, correctional services, sports, tourism and public service.
"The establishment of the Government of National Unity in its current form is unprecedented in the history of our democracy," said Ramaphosa.
"The incoming government will prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and the creation of a more just society by tackling poverty and inequality as well as unemployment," he said.
He had to "ensure all the parties are able to participate meaningfully in the national executive as well as various parliamentary positions", he added.