Mbeki appoints new deputy
2005-06-22 15:33
Cape Town - Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was appointed new deputy president by President Thabo Mbeki on Wednesday afternoon.
The announcement was made after a regular cabinet meeting in Cape Town, and followed the axing of former deputy president Jacob Zuma last week.
Zuma was released from duty after being implicated during the Schabir Shaik fraud and corruption trial.
The national prosecuting authority said on Monday Zuma would face two corruption charges.
Mbeki also announced a shuffle to the cabinet.
Earlier, African National Congress sources in parliament indicated that Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was the frontrunner.
Others mentioned as being in the running were Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota and Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, who acted as president when Mbeki was in Nigeria at the weekend.
Minor cabinet reshuffle
Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula, who was recently appointed as head of government business to replace Zuma, and Foreign Minister Nkosazana-Dlamini Zuma were among those tipped for the post.
He also used the opportunity to announce a minor reshuffle to his cabinet.
Deputy trade and industry minister Lindiwe Hendricks would succeed Mlambo-Ngcuka as minerals and energy minister, said Mbeki.
Two new deputy ministers would be appointed in the trade and industry portfolio - Rob Davies and Elizabeth Thabethe.
Davies is chair of the national assembly's finance committee, while Thabethe chairs the environment committee.
The incoming members of the executive would take the oath of office on Thursday, said Mbeki.