New South Africa President, Kgalema Motlanthe has named his new cabinet. Probably the biggest cheer in the National Assembly when Motlanthe was naming his cabinet was when he named Trevor Manuel as the Minister of Finance. Many had feared that Manuel would walk away from the position after tendering his resignation when former President Thabo Mebki resigned. But Manuel then went on to say he would be available for the position if chosen by the new leader and subsequently Motlanthe has stuck to Trevor Manuel to continue doing the job he is doing in arguably the most important ministry in the country.

President Kgalema Motlanthe also named Baleka Mbete as his deputy president.

The new ministers were:

Defence: Charles Nqakula;
Justice and Constitutional Development: Enver Surty;
Health: Barbara Hogan;
Safety and Security: Nathi Mthethwa;
Public Enterprises: Brigitte Mabandla;
Public Works: Geoff Doidge; and
Intelligence: Siyabonga Cwele;

Those who retained their positions were:

Social Development: Zola Skweyiya;
Education: Naledi Pandor;
Labour: Membathisi Mdladlana;
Correctional Services: Ngconde Balfour;
Housing: Lindiwe Sisulu;
Arts and Culture: Pallo Jordan;
Sport and Recreation: Makhenkesi Stofile;
Environmental Affairs and Tourism: Marthinus van Schalkwyk;
Water Affairs and Forestry: Lindiwe Hendricks;
Minerals and Energy: Buyelwa Sonjica; and
Home Affairs: Noziviwe Mapisa-Nqakula

It is going to be interesting to see how this new ‘team’ does under the leadership of Motlanthe. This kind of reminded me of a press briefing where the Springbok teamed has been named, with Motlanthe taking the role of Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers.

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