DA appoints former CEO to oversee its ministers in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet

The Democratic Alliance appointed strategist Ryan Coetzee to oversee its ministers in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet.

The Democratic Alliance appointed strategist Ryan Coetzee to oversee its ministers in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet.

“Ryan Coetzee will start work on Monday, and he will help manage the ministerial caucus,” new DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said.

Hill-Lewis revealed the appointment during an interview in Saldanha, north of Cape Town, on Saturday, 18 April 2026.

Coetzee previously served as the DA’s chief executive officer and election campaign manager, and as an adviser to UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. 

More recently, he served as the chief executive of Consulum, a company he joined in 2016 after he spent 25 years in politics.

Consulum is an intelligence-led strategy and communications firm headquartered in the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.

“At Consulum, I drew on that experience to build a government advisory firm that helps leaders integrate strategy, policy, and communication,” he said.

He also developed and delivered programmes that enhance their standing on the world stage and drive economic development.

In his new role at the DA, Coetzee will re-enter the political world to manage the DA’s ministers and deputy ministers.

The DA joined the government after the 2024 elections failed to produce an outright winner, and was assigned six cabinet posts.

Unlike his predecessor, John Steenhuisen, Hill-Lewis doesn’t intend to join the executive and will instead seek a second term as the mayor of Cape Town.

“Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber will be my eyes and ears in cabinet,” Hill Lewis said.