Angie Motshekga Designated as Acting President

Natalie Nyathi

In a move to ensure continuity in governance, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, has been appointed as Acting President of South Africa. This designation is effective from June 17 to June 19, 2025, while President Cyril Ramaphosa attends the G7 Leadership Summit in Canada.

The appointment aligns with section 90 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which allows for an Acting President to be designated when the current President is unavailable. During this time, Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also engaged in a working visit to Moscow, further emphasizing the need for stable leadership.

Motshekga is well-acquainted with the responsibilities of this role, having served as Acting President on several previous occasions, including in August 2021 and 2019. Her experience underscores her capability to handle the demands of leadership during critical moments.

While in Canada, President Ramaphosa is set to engage in important discussions with leaders from the G7, focusing on global issues that require collaborative solutions. The summit offers South Africa an opportunity to strengthen its international relations and tackle pressing challenges facing the global community.

Simultaneously, Deputy President Mashatile’s visit to Russia aims to enhance economic and trade ties between South Africa and Russia. His agenda includes discussions on cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and technology, essential for the economic growth of both nations.

Minister Motshekga’s leadership during this interim period is vital for ensuring that the executive branch remains functional and responsive to the needs of the country.