Angie Motshekga’s ‘Defence Force’ has SA in stitches

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced 32 ministers, with one appointment quickly becoming the butt of social media jokes.

After more than two weeks of negotiation with Government of National Unity partners, Ramaphosa announced his cabinet on Sunday night.

Among the changes was former Basic Education minister Angie Motshekga replacing Thandi Modise as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.

ALSO READ: SA’s new Defence Deputy Minister – Who is UDM’s Bantu Holomisa?

UDM president General Bantu Holomisa and the ANC’s Richard Mkhungo will serve as her deputies.

Angie’s Defence Force

The announcement shocked many, who took to social media to question her appointment.

Others jokingly predicted the failure of the SA National Defence Force under Motshekga’s watch.

The criteria for being a minister

In his address to the nation, Ramaphosa said several factors were considered when making a decision on who to elect to cabinet.

“We have had to ensure that the incoming government will be effective, and that it will have people with the experience, skills and capabilities to deliver on its mandate.

ALSO READ: From prisoner to Cabinet minister: Gayton McKenzie bags sports ministry

“It is important that we deploy into positions of responsibility people who are committed, capable and hard-working, and who have integrity”.

He said the cabinet should also represent the people of South Africa, “giving due consideration to gender, youth, demographics and regional distribution”.

Motshekga’s journey in politics

Motshekga joined politics during the fight against apartheid.

After democracy in 1994, she worked as a convener for Gender in the Office of the President, a trainer in the Department of Public Service and Administration, a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in 1999 and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education. 

She was appointed as MEC for Social Development in 2000 and as MEC for Education from 2004 to 2009.

ALSO READ: SA’s new Cabinet: Steenhuisen’s new cushy job

She has extensive experience as a teacher and education administrator. She has served on several boards focused on education. She has a BA Education, B Ed from the University of the North and a Masters Degree in Education from the Wits University. 

Her experience and education saw her elected as MP and Basic Education minister in 2009.

She was re-appointed to the role three times before her latest shuffle out of the portfolio.

She served as ANC Women’s League President from 2008 to 2015, and is a member of the ANC National Executive Committee and the ANC National Working Committee.