Minister Ebrahim Patel Announces Conclusion of Cabinet Service After 15 Years

Pretoria, May 24, 2024 — The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, has announced his decision to conclude his service in the Cabinet at the end of his third term. This decision marks the end of a distinguished 15-year tenure in the South African government.

Patel expressed his gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) for their trust and support throughout his tenure. “It has been a great honour to serve my country as a member of Cabinet for 15 years and three terms of office,” Patel said. He highlighted the collaborative efforts and commitment of various stakeholders that contributed to the progress made in promoting economic development despite challenging circumstances.

Reflecting on his time in office, Patel noted the significant global changes and challenges faced during his tenure. He entered the Cabinet during the aftermath of the 2008/9 global economic crisis, which saw South Africa’s economy enter a recession. Over the years, Patel navigated through a multitude of crises, including the urgent challenge of climate change, heightened geopolitical tensions, and the disruptive rise of technological innovation and artificial intelligence. He also referenced the fight against state capture, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic fallout from the war in Europe.

Despite these challenges, Patel pointed to the considerable progress achieved. “We have seen considerable progress too, with careful navigation by firms and policy-makers to get the economy back on a growth trajectory and jobs recovery,” he remarked. He attributed these successes to the teamwork and close working relationships with business communities, organized labor, members of Cabinet, and international colleagues.

Patel also thanked the many hard-working public officials, committed board members of public entities, and the trade union movement for their support. “I have forged many friendships that will continue beyond our working relationships,” he said, highlighting the enduring personal connections made during his service.

Looking forward, Patel expressed confidence in the future leadership under President Ramaphosa and the ANC. He believes a solid foundation has been laid for the incoming administration to unite South Africans and foster a job-rich growth path.

Concluding his statement, Patel shared his plans for the future. “After 15 years in Cabinet, I will relax a bit, reflect a lot, and then look forward to serving our democracy in new and different ways.”

As South Africa prepares for the transition, Minister Patel’s legacy of dedication and service will be remembered as a significant chapter in the country’s pursuit of economic stability and growth.