Mixed reaction to announcement of Government of National Unity cabinet

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally announced his new cabinet.

There has been mixed reactions to the new government.

The EFF said in a statement that the announcement had confirmed "our longstanding view" that the GNU was "nothing but a smokescreen for the ANC to secure a predetermined grand coalition with the racist DA".

It also criticised the impact of the "increased and bloated" cabinet of taxpayer's money.

But tripartite alliance partner, Cosatu, has welcomed the new administration and hopes they will hit the ground running. 

Cosatu says government should prioritise job creation.

SAFTU General Secretary Zwelenzima Vavi is disappointed that the Democratic Alliance has such a large number of portfolios.

Vavi is disappointed that the Education Portfolio will be going to the Democratic Alliance.

However, he says the country's education system has failed, and he's placing the blame solely at the door of the ANC.

The South African Democratic Teachers Union also raised concerns about the appointment of Siviwe Gwarube as the new Basic Education Minister.

The union says the new appointment is not in the country's best interest but rather that of political parties.

Ramaphosa has called for the opening of the new parliament on July 18 to address MPs and outline guidelines for how his new coalition government, involving 11 parties, will work.

• Additional reporting AFP