PRETORIA — President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially removed Sello Seitlholo from his position as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation . The removal was confirmed via official correspondence issued on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The axing of Seitlholo comes directly in line with a recent restructuring request submitted to the President by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Seitlholo, who has served as an MP since 2019, publicly addressed the communication on his LinkedIn Profile, expressing gratitude to his party, colleagues, and family for the opportunity to serve in the Government of National Unity.
“I would like to thank my party the Democratic Alliance, in particular John Steenhuisen, who having identified and given me the opportunity to serve in one of the highest positions in government. I do not take this for granted.
“There are hundreds, if not thousands of people I need to thank for having made the past two years the best years of my academic journey. Yes, academic, because the water sector is complicated BUT definitely worth every effort, sweat and tears. Every single day was a learning lesson for me,” said Seitlholo.
This high-level executive shake-up is part of a sweeping series of changes to DA representation in the cabinet, which also includes the removal of Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Graham-Maré and Deputy Minister of Higher Education Mimmy Gondwe, as well as the reassignment of former DA leader John Steenhuisen.
“These changes will affect the Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Trade, Industry and Competition, Electricity and Energy, Higher Education, and Water and Sanitation.”
Accordingly, President Ramaphosa will in line with section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (“the Constitution”) appoint:
Mr Willem Aucamp as the Minister of Agriculture,
Mr David Maynier as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Furthermore, in accordance with section 93(1)(a) of the Constitution, President Ramaphosa is appointing the following Deputy Ministers:
Mr John Steenhuisen as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition,
Ms Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy,
Mr Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation,
Mr Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has filled the vacancy at the Ministry of Social Development by appointing Dina Pule as the new Minister, under section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution.
