KwaZulu-Natal’s new Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize on Monday announced his new Cabinet at an inauguration ceremony in Pietermaritzburg.
Four woman and six men would make up the new executive council steering the province for the next five years.
Shortly after taking the oath of office and giving his acceptance speech, Mkhize announced his 10-member team.
Lydia Johnson was announced the new provincial minister for agriculture and environmental affairs. She would take over from Mtolephi Mthimkhulu.
Wesizwe Thusi would remain provincial minister for arts, culture, and tourism but would have the added task of sport and recreation.
Mike Mabuyakhulu was announced economic development provincial minister. He would also serve as acting premier.
The African National Congress’s (ANC) former provincial secretary, Senzo Mchunu, would take over as education provincial minister, replacing Ina Cronje, who was on Monday announced as the new finance provincial minister.
Newcomer Dr Maxwell Dlomo would take over as the health provincial minister, replacing Peggy Nkonyeni, who was last week announced speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature.
Another newcomer Maggie Govender would head the human settlement department, formerly known as housing.
Willies Mchunu, the province’s former speaker would take over as the new provincial minister for local government and traditional affairs, while Meshack Hadebe would remain social development provincial minister.
Transport and safety provincial minister Bheki Cele would keep his portfolio.
”This is the new team that would steer KZN in the next five years,” said Mkhize.
He accepted his position with humility and would follow in the footsteps of the country’s first citizen, Jacob Zuma.
”I extend my loyalty to him … and we are fully behind him and his team. We wish them well,” said Mkhize, a well-known friend of Zuma.
He said it was time for ”people stop seeing themselves through the eyes of yesterday” and instead work to build a rainbow nation.
”There is a new hope for a better future … from Jacob Zuma to … Nelson Mandela,” Mkhize said at Woodburn stadium.
He noted the pre-election political violence in the province and called for peace among political parties.
Mkhize urged opposition parties to work with the ANC.
”The deep scars of violence between the ANC and Inkatha Freedom Party must be healed and pave a new way … without hostility.
”We are called upon to hold each other’s hands and make a new start, so embrace new hope for a future … the government you elected will work with all provinces to promote love, friendship and peace in KZN.”
Traffic along Alan Paton Road leading to the stadium was backed up for several hours as hundreds of people made their way to the inauguration. — Sapa