South Africa's new unity government under President Cyril Ramaphosa, sworn in with 32 ministers and 43 deputy ministers, aims to address governance challenges following coalition negotiations.

South Africa’s new unity government under President Cyril Ramaphosa began its swearing-in process during a televised ceremony in Cape Town on Wednesday, following weeks of coalition negotiations.

Prior to the 32 ministers taking their oaths, Paul Mashatile, who has been re-appointed deputy president, was the first to pledge his commitment.

Ramaphosa, aged 71, unveiled his eagerly awaited coalition government on Sunday, which includes the former leader of the main opposition party and expands the number of ministries from 30 to 32, alongside 43 deputy ministers.

The African National Congress (ANC), in power since the advent of democracy in 1994, aimed to form a government of national unity after losing its outright parliamentary majority in the May 29 elections.

The longstanding party retains 20 cabinet positions, including foreign affairs, finance, defence, justice, and police.

Its principal coalition partner and longtime critic, the Democratic Alliance (DA), will oversee six ministries, including agriculture, public works, and communication. DA leader John Steenhuisen, 48, was appointed agriculture minister.

Together with his party, he has lambasted the ANC for its handling of high crime rates, economic stagnation, and an acute energy crisis.

The Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party, anti-immigration Patriotic Alliance, right-wing Afrikaans party Freedom-Front Plus, and other smaller parties will collectively hold six cabinet positions.

The new government signifies a pragmatic shift towards the center-right, raising hopes for improved governance while also fueling concerns about cohesion.

Ramaphosa has faced criticism from opposition figures and business leaders over the size of the cabinet, amid fears of government inefficiency and wastage of taxpayers’ money.

The leftist Economic Freedom Fighters opposition party has expressed concerns about the expanded cabinet, suggesting it will strain taxpayers further.