Big changes in vital departments
2008-09-25 20:13
Cape Town - Two vital government functions, health and crime, came under new political management on Thursday as newly-elected President Kgalema Motlanthe announced his Cabinet.
Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who drew much fire over her promotion of vegetable remedies for HIV/Aids, was removed as health minister.
Charles Nqakula, who failed to make a significant dent in crime levels during his tenure as safety and security minister, was given the defence portfolio.
Tshabala-Msimang was made minister in the presidency, the role Essop Pahad vacated to succeed Thabo Mbeki as president.
Motlanthe was sworn in by Chief Justice Pius Langa at Tuynhuys on Thursday, and shortly thereafter named National Speaker Baleka Mbete as his deputy president.
In his acceptance speech in the National Assembly, Motlanthe retained most Cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Senior ANC MP Barbara Hogan was named Health Minister.
No deviation
Motlanthe said it was not his desire to "deviate from what is working.
"It is not for me to reinvent policy. Nor do I intend to reshape either Cabinet or the public service.
"We will not allow that the work of government be interrupted. We will not allow the stability of our democratic order to be compromised.
"And we will not allow the confidence that our people have in the ability of the state to respond to their needs to be undermined."
Motlanthe also gave his sincere thanks and appreciation to Mbeki.
"I know that I speak on behalf of all the people of this country when I say that we have been privileged to have you as our president these last nine years.
"There is no value that we can place on the service you have rendered to your country, nor any tribute that can adequately capture your contribution to building this nation.
"For all that you have done for South Africa, for our continent and for the advancement of the global community, we remain forever indebted," he said.
A difficult task ahead
Political parties across the spectrum congratulated Motlanthe, but also warned he faced a difficult task.
Democratic Alliance chairperson Joe Seremane said election to such high office brought with it great and profound responsibility, the most important of which was the need to rise above party-political interests and to put the needs and aspirations of the people of South Africa first.
"The country is crying out for resolute and strong leadership to reduce the level of anxiety currently felt by a great many of our people, who have been deeply unsettled by the governing party's internal power struggles, now playing themselves out on a national and international stage," he said.
Common sense 'not so common'
Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said confidence at home and abroad in the integrity and independence of South Africa's institutions had languished, for such confidence thrived upon truth, obligations and protection.
"It is to this great work of restoration, the President Elect must now turn, and do so swiftly.
"I have no doubt that President Elect Mr Motlanthe is more than equal to this task, possessing, as his does, integrity, an instinctive sense of the common good and the fair society, and an abiding respect for the institutions of the Republic," Buthelezi said.
Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille called on Motlanthe to appoint a judicial commission of inquiry into arms deal corruption.
African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe agreed, saying the nation was crying out for strong and responsible leadership, following the turmoil of the past few days.
"It is up to honourable Motlanthe as President of all South Africans to now unify the squabbling factions within his party and our nation," he said.
"The FF Plus wishes him wisdom in these difficult times. Experience is important but in the end all that we really need from leaders in South Africa is common sense. I must be honest with you, in the last year I have been worried that common sense is no longer so common in South Africa," Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Mulder said.
- SAPA