The new premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Zweli Mkhize has emphasised the need for partnership to ensure that KwaZulu-Natal becomes a winning province. He was speaking just after he was inaugurated as the fifth premier in the democratic dispensation in a ceremony that was attended by various high profile delegates from around the continent and the country.
Dr Mkhize takes over from Dr Sibusiso Ndebele whom he credited for the good work of leading the province for five years. He said that it was important for political parties to work together and for the government and communities to form partnerships to ensure that service delivery addresses the needs of the people and create hope for a better future for the people of this province.
"Reconciliation amongst the people of this province remains one outstanding matter that we will spare no effort to bring to finality, especially as it relates to the members of the African National Congress and Inkatha Freedom Party. The deep scars of violence and the trauma that was associated with it must be cleansed and healed once and for all to pave way for open political contest and cooperation not to be based on past hostilities twenty years into our new democracy", he said.
He said they will work hard to create more jobs and decent work, fight poverty and hunger, ensure access to quality education for all, provide quality healthcare for all, ensure rural development and building safer and secure communities. Dr Mkhize said his government will work hard to create an integrated non-racial society enjoying freedom, living in a safe and prosperous country.
Dr Mkhize also announced members of the Executive Council who will constitute the government. MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development will be Mrs Lydia Johnson, MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation will be Mrs Weziwe Thusi Gcotyelwa, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism will be Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu, MEC for Education, Mr Senzo Edward Mchunu, MEC for Finance will be Mrs Inna Catharina Magdalena Cronje, MEC for Health, Dr Maxwell Sibongiseni Dlomo, MEC Human Settlement and Public Works, Mrs Govender Magasvarie, MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs will be Mr Thembinkosi Willies Mchunu, MEC for Social Development, Dr Bonginkosi Meshack Radebe and MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison will be Mr Bheki Hamilton Cele.
"Let us embrace the new hope for a better future for KwaZulu-Natal and the whole of South Africa. Let us make a fresh start, a start that will change our country for the better, for good," he said.
For more information, contact:
Zodumo Mbuli
Cell: 071 6038197
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083644 4050
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
11 May 2009
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za)
