Leader of Government Business (South Africa)

Leader of Government Business of Parliament of South Africa
since 7 March 2023
The Presidency
StyleThe Honourable
Member of Cabinet
Appointer President
Term lengthNo fixed term
Constituting instrumentConstitution of South Africa
WebsiteThe Presidency

The office of the Leader of Government Business was established in 1994, concurrent with South Africa's transition to democracy. This position, which is traditionally held by the Deputy President,[1] was created to support the President in executing governmental duties and to lead government business in the Parliament of South Africa. Although the specific responsibilities of the role have undergone changes over time, it remains a vital component of the country's governmental framework.[2]


The Leader of Government Business is appointed by the President of South Africa and is responsible for:[3]

  • Overseeing the fulfillment of Cabinet's duties
  • Ensuring the timely and correct handling of legislation initiated by Cabinet
  • Leading the government's legislative program in Parliament
  • Coordinating the government's business in Parliament
  • Performing any other function provided for by the Joint Rules or a resolution of the National Assembly or the National Council of Provinces

The position is currently held by the Deputy President of the country.

List of Officeholders

Parties

  National Party
  African National Congress

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Term of office President Political party
Took office Left office Time in office
1 F. W. de Klerk
(1936–2021)
10 May 1994 30 June 1996
(resigned)
2 years, 51 days Nelson Mandela National Party
2 Thabo Mbeki
(born 1942)
10 May 1994 14 June 1999
(became president)
5 years, 35 days African National Congress
3 Jacob Zuma
(born 1942)
14 June 1999 14 June 2005
(dismissed but became president on 9 May 2009)
6 years, 0 days Thabo Mbeki
4 Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
(born 1955)
14 June 2005 23 September 2008
(resigned)
3 years, 101 days
5 Baleka Mbete
(born 1949)
25 September 2008 9 May 2009
(term ended)
226 days Kgalema Motlanthe
6 Kgalema Motlanthe
(born 1949)
9 May 2009 26 May 2014
(term ended)
5 years, 17 days Jacob Zuma
7 Cyril Ramaphosa
(born 1952)
26 May 2014 15 February 2018
(became president)[4]
3 years, 265 days
8 David Mabuza
(1960–2025)
27 February 2018 28 February 2023
(resigned)[5]
5 years, 1 day Cyril Ramaphosa
9 Paul Mashatile
(born 1961)
7 March 2023 19 June 2024 2 years, 288 days

References

  1. ^ "Paul Mashatile is set to become South Africa's Deputy President: What he brings to the table". Polity.org.za. Archived from the original on 2023-02-22. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  2. ^ "The Structure Of Government". pmg.org.za. Archived from the original on 2024-06-20. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  3. ^ "The SA Constitution". www.justice.gov.za. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  4. ^ "I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, as it happened". News24. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  5. ^ "THE SHUFFLE: Outgoing Deputy President David Mabuza the latest ANC member to resign from Parliament". March 2023.