/ 10 May 2004

Mbeki welcomes two new deputy ministers

Two new deputy ministers were sworn in at Tuynhuys on Monday in the presence of President Thabo Mbeki and members of his Cabinet.

Professor Ntopile Kganyago of the United Democratic Movement was sworn in as Deputy Minister of Public Works, and the African National Congress’s Gert Oosthuizen as Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation.

After the short ceremony was over and the two men had taken the oath, Mbeki congratulated the pair.

”I promise there’s lots of work to be done … but I’m sure we are all ready for that,” Mbeki said, before inviting members of the Cabinet and the media covering the event for snacks.

Mbeki appointed Kganyago and Oosthuizen after the Inkatha Freedom Party — which had originally been awarded the posts — dithered over whether or not to accept them.

The day was a good one for Oosthuizen — besides being his swearing-in day, May 10 is also his birthday. — Sapa