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Government withdraws state enterprises bill after GNU pushback

Published

Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa said opposition from GNU partners, including the DA and the IFP, led to the withdrawal. The bill would have created a central holding company for major state-owned entities.

Government is now considering another model. It would be a commission chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa to coordinate oversight of state-owned companies. The entities would stay under their respective departments.

Government expects the commission to strengthen accountability, improve performance and coordinate the management of these companies. Its wider aim is to put state-owned enterprises on a more sustainable financial footing and improve their contribution to economic growth.

The DA and the IFP resisted the bill. That raised questions about whether the restructuring could win enough support in parliament.

Key facts

Who
Maropene Ramokgopa (Minister in the Presidency); Cyril Ramaphosa (President); Democratic Alliance (GNU partner party that opposed the bill); Inkatha Freedom Party (GNU partner party that opposed the bill)
What
Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa says opposition from GNU partners, including the DA and IFP, led to the withdrawal of the National State Enterprises Bill. Government is now considering an alternative model: a commission chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa to coordinate oversight of state-owned companies, with entities remaining under their respective departments.
When
11 October 2026
Status
Reported

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