There were hugs and kisses as the ministers and their deputies arrived at the Union Buildings in Pretoria for the swearing in of the new cabinet on Thursday. The relief of finding themselves at the ceremony was clearly etched on many faces.
Controversial reappointment, Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang when asked if she was surprised at retaining her position responded after some thought: ”I was not surprised. I was prepared for anything. But I think my appointment is the President saying I must continue what I have been doing.”
She and 27 other ministers and 19 deputy ministers were sworn in by Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson and his deputy Pius Langa when they read the oath of allegiance promising loyalty to the Republic, obedience to its laws and not to divulge any secrets entrusted to them.
More hugs and kisses followed as deputy ministers were congratulated by their ministers causing Reserve Bank boss Tito Mboweni to observe –”this cabinet must be very united”.
President Thabo Mbeki reminded the ministers of the work to be done and warned that he and deputy president Jacob Zuma would be keeping a close watch.
He urged all to follow the approach of new Correctional Services Minister, Ngconde Balfour: ”As you can see the minister of correctional services is a man of weight… who has told me his task will be to sit on all wrongdoers.”
New education minister Naledi Pandor wasted no time in getting to grips with her portfolio.
”I have a meeting with my predecessor (Kader Asmal) this afternoon. He will brief me on what needs to be done,” she said.
She agreed that taking over from Asmal was a ”challenge” as the post had often led to controversy. She said however she would follow her mantra of ”practicality”.
”We will be very practical, feet on the ground and in touch with the people,” Pandor said adding that for the most part she would be continuing where Asmal left off.
Making a reappearance in government, Arts and Culture minister Pallo Jordan admitted his first task would be to liaise with the arts and culture community to see what issues needed to be tackled.
The Arts and Culture ministry was split from that of Science and Technology as Mbeki felt it had been neglected in the past.
Transport minister Jeff Radebe, who was moved from Public Enterprises, said his focus would be on reducing the cost of transport. This, he said would involve discussions with the ministry of minerals and energy on issues surrounding fuel costs.
”Transport will be centre stage in the economic development of South Africa,” Radebe said enthusiastically.
He said if government was to halve its unemployment rate by 2014 as promised, it could only do so with an effective transport infrastructure.
Former Western Cape MEC and New National Party leader, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, said he was very excited about his portfolio as minister of Environment and Tourism.
”Previously government has had a broad base approach to tourism and now its time to get specific,” he said.
He also mentioned that he would be personally involving himself in the fishing industry, especially in the Western Cape where he feels fishermen had been disadvantaged.
Former ANC Youth League leader, Malusi Gigaba said he was too concerned with what needed to be done as deputy minister of Home Affairs to be excited about his post.
”A lot is expected from me and not least from the youth who put me here,” Gigaba said, admitting he had to learn how to walk before he could run. He is deputy to Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
Ronnie Kasrils, who was former Water Affairs and Forestry minister and is now Minister of Intelligence, said he could not divulge his plans as he had been sworn to secrecy but said South Africa’s borders were safe and would be even more so in the future. – Sapa