Motlanthe targets growth, jobs

In his first address to Parliament, shortly after being sworn in by Chief Justice Pius Langa, Motlanthe said his task was not to deviate from what was working, not to reinvent policy or reshape cabinet and the public service.

In the spirit of allaying uncertainty caused by 14 cabinet resignations this week, he announced his full cabinet at the same time as extending an invitation to opposition parties to keep a critical eye over him and his government.

"In a turbulent global economy, we will remain true to the policies that have kept South Africa steady, and that have ensured sustained growth. We will intensify the all-round effort to accelerate the rate of growth and job creation, and ensure that the benefits of growth are equally shared by all our people," said Motlanthe, who also extended a hand to opposition parties, who repeatedly complained under former President Thabo Mbeki that they were maligned and cold-shouldered, by saying that he hoped to benefit from their critical eye.

While Motlanthe heaped praise on Mbeki's achievements, he stressed that as South Africa's third democratically elected head of state, his government, like its predecessors, would be guided by ANC policy which had always remained consistent and which had at its core the Freedom Charter.

"Therefore, we stand here to send out a message that government remains on course to deliver on its commitments to the poor, who rely on us daily for the fulfilment of their basic needs and for the provision of important services like health, education, and social security," he said

To allay further uncertainty around cabinet positions, Motlanthe used the opportunity to name his cabinet.

While there were 14 vacant minister and deputy minister positions to fill with new faces, Motlanthe included all Mbeki's former cabinet who had indicated that they would be willing to serve under a new government.

He did however, move some controversial ministers to new positions. Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang was made minister in the presidency and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla was moved to public enterprises. Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula was moved to defence. The cabinet is as follows:

Deputy President: Baleka Mbete
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Minister of Defence: Charles Nqakula
Minister of Finance: Trevor Manuel
Minister of Provincial and Local Government: Sicelo Shiceka
Minister of Transport: Jeff Radebe
Minister of Social Development: Zola Skweyiya
Minister of Public Enterprises: Brigitte Mabandla
Minister of Communications: Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri
Minister of Public Service and Administration: Richard Baloyi
Minister of Labour: Membathisi Mdladlana
Minister of Public Works: Geoff Doidge
Minister of Intelligence: Siyabonga Cwele
Minister of Health: Barbara Hogan
Minister in The Presidency: Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
Minister of Correctional Services: Ngconde Balfour
Minister of Housing: Lindiwe Sisulu
Minister of Safety and Security: Nathi Mthethwa
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Enver Surty
Minister of Education: Naledi Pandor
Minister of Arts and Culture: Pallo Jordan
Minister of Sport and Recreation: Makhenkesi Stofile
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism: Marthinus van Schalkwyk

Minister of Science and Technology: Mosibudi Mangena (Azanian People's Organisation, Azapo)
Minister of Mineral and Energy: Buyelwa Sonjica
Minister of Home Affairs: Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Lindiwe Hendricks
Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs: Lulu Xingwana

- Fin24.com