29 April 2004

President Thabo Mbeki has named his line-up of 28 ministers and 21 deputy ministers to implement the government's mandate for the next five years, appointing more women, some new faces, and reconfiguring a number of ministries.

Cabinet newcomers include former Western Cape Premier Marthinus van Schalkwyk as Environmental Affairs and Tourism minister; former chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Naledi Pandor as Education minister; former Eastern Cape Premier Makhenkesi Stofile as Sport and Recreation minister; and ANC Youth League leader Malusi Gigaba as deputy Home Affairs minister.

In addition, former Gauteng Finance MEC Jabu Moleketi has been promoted to deputy Finance minister.

Those retained in Cabinet are Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, Land Affairs and Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza, and Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad.

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel also retains his position, as do Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi, Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana, Public Works Minister Stella Sigcau, Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya, and Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula.

Former Deputy Education Minister Mosibudi Mangena will now head Science and Technology, which is now a department on its own, split from the former department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. Former MP Pallo Jordan is the new minister of Arts and Culture.

Mandisi Mphahlwa will head Trade and Industry, while former Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has been promoted to lead Water Affairs and Forestry.

Given South Africa's growing international responsibilities, Foreign Affairs has been given a second deputy minister in Sue van der Merwe, formerly President Mbeki's parliamentary counsellor - a position which will now be occupied by former Northern Cape Premier Manne Dipico.

Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin has been moved to Public Enterprises, while Jeff Radebe, the incumbent there, has been handed the Transport portfolio, with former Water Affairs and Forestry Minister Ronnie Kasrils now head of Intelligence.

Former Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour will now be responsible for Correctional Services.

Former Intelligence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has been moved to Housing, while her predecessor, Brigitte Mabandla, will be responsible for the Justice Ministry, with former justice portfolio committee chairperson Johnny de Lange as her deputy.

Mbeki, who was inaugurated on Tuesday for his second term as the country's President, retained Deputy President Jacob Zuma as his second-in-command.

"This is a very strong team", Mbeki told reporters in Pretoria, adding that the new senior officials would have to implement the government's policies drafted over the past 10 years.

It was important, he elaborated, that the new administration "focus in a very specific and determined way" to implement existing policies. "I am quite certain that this team will discharge that responsibility very well", he added.

There are 16 male and 12 female ministers in South Africa's new government, while 10 men and 11 women hold deputy ministerial positions.

Ministers

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	Left to right, top to bottom: new Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa, Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, new Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin, new Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, and Land Affairs and Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza

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