 |
|
Kgalema Motlanthe addresses Parliament in Cape Town after being elected as South Africa's president September 25, 2008. Deputy ANC leader Motlanthe was sworn in as South Africa's president on Thursday to replace Thabo Mbeki, who resigned amid the worst political crisis since the end of apartheid.[Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
South Africa's Interim President Kgalema Motlanthe announced a reshuffle of cabinet on Thursday, in which Trevor Manuel has been reappointed as finance minister.
Motlanthe, deputy leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), was elected on Thursday by the South African parliament as the interim president, replacing Thabo Mbeki who announced resignation on Sunday in a televised speech.
Ministries of foreign affairs, social development, trade and industry and education as well as the position of Manuel's finance minister will be unchanged.
Like Manuel, Mines Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has been reappointed as well. Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula has been moved to defense while Health Minister Manto Mshabalala-Msimang has been moved to be the minister in the presidency.
Brigitte Mabandla has been appointed by Motlanthe to replace Alec Erwin to serve as the head of the public enterprise ministry.
Mbeki has come under pressure to quit following the judge's ruling last week that Mbeki was instrumental in ANC President Jacob Zuma being charged with corruption. Motlanthe will serve as president until April next year when South Africa holds presidential elections.
(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2008)
