The most senior level existing in the executive branch of the South African government are the South African Cabinet ministers. The cabinet of South Africa consist of the president, deputy president and the ministers.
How many cabinet ministers are there in South Africa
The President appoints South African Cabinet Ministers. The number of cabinet ministers appointed depends on the discretion of the President. The President selects and appoints ministers from the National Assembly – parliament of South Africa. President selects the leader of the cabinet via the National Assembly.
The Cabinet of South Africa currently consist of 32 Ministers appointed by current President Cyril Ramaposha in 2024. Majority of the present cabinet ministers are from the African National Congress (ANC). The list of cabinet ministers in South Africa in 2024 can be found Parliament of South Africa official website.
Qualifications needed to be a South African Cabinet Minister
The cabinet members of South Africa play a fundamental role in the nations functioning. Despite the minister’s performance and their departments, educational accomplishments play a crucial role in their competence.
The qualifications of the South African Cabinet ministers vary. This ranges from Diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, Masters Degrees and doctorates. The ministers of the South African Cabinet are fairly qualified. The qualifications consist of:
- Diploma in Political Science and Mass communication
- Diploma in Teaching
- Diploma in Community Development
- Bachelor of Arts Degree
- Bachelor’s degree from Medicine and Surgery
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education
- Master’s Degree in Education and General Linguistics
- Master’s Degree in Developmental Economics
- Master’s Degree I Public Administration
- Honorary Doctorate of Law
- Doctorate in Political Studies
- Doctorate in Philosophy specialising in Sociology
Duties and Responsibilities of the South African Cabinet Ministers
According to the Department of Statistics South Africa South African cabinet ministers have multiple duties under South African Law. Some of these duties are as follows:
- Prioritise work programs based on recommendations from the Statistician-General and Council
- Monitor the performance of the Statistician General
- Determining particular performance criteria for the Statistician General
- Approve or Reject statistical collections proposed by other government bodies
- Appoint members of Council after consulting the cabinet
- Upon consultation with the cabinet ministers have authority to terminate council members
- Entering into international agreements I relation to the Act
- The power and authority to effectively use the nations resources for vital purposes
Conclusion
A cabinet minister is the most senior position held in government appointed by the president. The president decides on the number of cabinet members appointed ranging from 28 – 35 ministers.A crucial played by the cabinet minsters is pertaining to the functioning of the government.
The competence of a minister varies depends on their educational achievements ranging from diplomas to doctorates. Multiple duties and responsibilities are being carried out by cabinet ministers towards successful governance.
Key Points
- South Africa’s Cabinet, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, consists of 32 Ministers, mainly from the ANC as of 2024.
- These Ministers hold qualifications ranging from diplomas to doctorates.
- Their roles include overseeing work programs, monitoring the Statistician General’s performance, approving statistical collections, and managing international agreements.
- Cabinet Ministers play crucial roles in the governance and functioning of the nation.
FAQs
Who is the new minister of home affairs in South Africa?
Dr Leon Schreiber MP
Who are the current political leaders in South Africa?
President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is serving as the 5th president of South Africa. He is the leader of the Africa national Congress (ANC).
Who is the head of cabinet in South Africa?
The current head of the South African cabinet is President Cyril Ramaphosa
Who appoints the president in South Africa?
Whenever there is a vacancy the president is elected at the first sitting of Parliament after an election. The election of a president is done through the National Assembly, lower house of parliament. And the election must be overseen by the chief justice.