Aucamp’s appointment ends weeks of speculation over the future of John Steenhuisen, who has now been reassigned as deputy minister of trade, industry and competition, replacing Alexandra Abrahams, who has been appointed deputy minister of electricity and energy.
Aucamp, who previously served as minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, now assumes responsibility for one of government’s most demanding portfolios, as the agriculture sector continues to grapple with FMD, biosecurity challenges, ongoing vaccination programmes, and the implementation of major animal health reforms.
The appointments, announced by the Presidency on 30 June, form part of a broader reshuffling of DA representatives in the Government of National Unity (GNU) following consultations between Ramaphosa and DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Other DA changes include the appointment of David Maynier as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Jack Bloom as deputy minister of water and sanitation, replacing Sello Seitlholo; and Yusuf Cassim as deputy minister of higher education and training, replacing Mimmy Gondwe. In addition, Samantha Graham-Maré will leave the executive as part of the reshuffle.
From the ANC, Ramaphosa has appointed Dina Pule as minister of social development following Sisisi Tolashe’s dismissal.
The Presidency said the appointments were made in accordance with Sections 91(3)(b) and 93(1)(a) of the Constitution after consultation with the DA as a member of the GNU.
FMD expected to dominate Aucamp’s agenda
Aucamp inherits the agriculture portfolio at a pivotal time for the sector. South Africa continues to battle outbreaks of FMD in several provinces, while restoring market access and rebuilding confidence in the country’s animal health system remain among government’s biggest priorities.
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) is leading the national response to the ongoing FMD outbreak, including the rollout of vaccination programmes, implementation of revised animal health measures, and engagement with trading partners affected by export restrictions.
The portfolio has also been under intense scrutiny in recent months following criticism from parts of organised agriculture over government’s handling of the outbreak and access to vaccines.
Aucamp commits to a practical approach
Speaking in a podcast interview, Aucamp said his focus will be on resolving the FMD crisis through a practical, collaborative approach that brings farmers, veterinarians, and government together.
He identified the rollout of FMD vaccines as one of his immediate priorities, arguing that vaccine availability is no longer the primary obstacle.
“We now have to look at how we can make the rollout easier, how we can get [the vaccines] to farmers on farms, and how [they] can be administered under proper control,” he said.
According to Aucamp, one of the biggest challenges is that provincial veterinary services, rather than the national DoA, are responsible for administering vaccines. He noted that closer cooperation between national and provincial government, together with organised agriculture, is essential to accelerate the rollout.
Beyond the FMD response, Aucamp said government should focus on creating an enabling environment for farmers instead of burdening them with unnecessary bureaucracy.
“Our farmers are the best in the world, and they know exactly what they are doing.
“The South African government must not stand in farmers’ way with regulations or red tape. We must make it easy for them to be able to farm. That is government’s responsibility, and that is what I commit myself to.”
He added that he intends to review departmental structures to ensure officials are equipped to support the sector effectively.
Department signals continuity
The reshuffle came just days after DoA Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi assured stakeholders at a Youth Month engagement in Stellenbosch that the department’s work will continue despite uncertainty surrounding the ministerial changes.
For producers, the reshuffle represents more than a change in political leadership. The sector will be watching closely to see whether Aucamp can translate his promises of greater collaboration, faster vaccine rollout, and less red tape into measurable progress, while the DoA has sought to reassure farmers that its programmes will continue uninterrupted.
