The Cabinet consists of the President, the Deputy President and Ministers. The President appoints the Deputy President and Ministers, assigns their powers and functions and may dismiss them. The Cabinet is collectively and individually accountable to Parliament for the performance of its duties.

The Cabinet Ministers each have a specific portfolio:

• President - Mr Thabo M Mbeki
• Deputy President - Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
• Minister of Agriculture & Land Affairs - Ms Angela Thoko Didiza
• Minister of Arts and Culture - Mr Pallo Jordan
• Minister of Communications - Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri
• Minister of Correctional Services - Mr Ngconde Balfour
• Minister of Defence - Mr Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota
• Minister of Education - Ms Naledi Pandor
• Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism - Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk
• Minister of Finance - Mr Trevor Andrew Manuel
• Minister of Foreign Affairs - Dr Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma
• Minister of Health - Dr Mantombazana Tshabalala-Msimang
• Minister of Home Affairs - Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
• Minister of Housing - Dr Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu
• Minister of Intelligence - Mr Ronald Kasrils
• Minister of Justice & Constitutional Development - Ms Bridgette Mabandla
• Minister of Labour - Mr Membathisi Mphumzi Shepherd Mdladlana
• Minister of Minerals and Energy - Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
• Minister of Provincial & Local Government - Mr Fholisani Sydney Mufamadi
• Minister of Public Enterprises - Mr Alec Erwin
• Minister of Public Service & Administration - Ms Geraldine Joslyn Fraser-Moleketi
• Minister of Public Works - Ms Stella Sigcau
• Minister of Safety and Security - Mr Charles Nqakula
• Minister of Science & Technology - Mr Mosibudi Mangena
• Minister of Social Development - Dr Zola Sidney Themba Skweyiya
• Minister of Sport and Recreation - Mr Makhenkesi Stofile
• Minister of The Presidency - Dr Essop Goolam Pahad
• Minister of Trade and Industry - Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa
• Minister of Transport - Mr Jeffrey Thamsanqa Radebe
• Minister of Water Affairs & Forestry - Ms Buyelwa Patience Sonjica