It was formed by Ramaphosa after he won a midterm election to succeed Jacob Zuma as President of South Africa.

[2][3] The ministers whom he sacked included Fikile Mbalula, Lynne Brown, Faith Muthambi, Hlengiwe Mkhize, Des van Rooyen, Mosebenzi Zwane, and David Mahlobo.

[2] On 9 October 2018, Ramaphosa announced that Nhlanhla Nene had resigned as Minister of Finance and would be replaced by Tito Mboweni with immediate effect.

[4][5] On 22 November 2018, he announced a more comprehensive cabinet reshuffle, occasioned by the death of Minister Edna Molewa and the resignation of Malusi Gigaba.

Ramaphosa made certain new deputy ministerial appointments in February 2018, marked with an asterisk below.