More polity

So… it’s been a while hey… and so much has happened. On the political landscape, South Africa has finally waged its political hand and brought about clarity to a scenario that has caused not only confusion but instability to many residents.

However, despite the presumed chaos, proceedings went pretty well and a new President of South Africa was elected and sworn in today. The man of the moment is Kgalema Motlanthe… previous Deputy President of the ANC.

Kgalema Motlanthe
New President to the Republic of South Africa
25 September 2008

How do I feel about this assignment? Well, I’m okay… for now. As long as we don’t have the dreaded President of the ANC leading the country, then I’ll have a problem.

Further to the resignations, a new Cabinet was elected to support the President’s cause. After the uproar he caused with his resignation, which I think was a well-planned motion, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel was re-elected to the new cabinet. The newly elected Cabinet of the Republic of South Africa is as follows:

The Deputy President: Ms B Mbete
The Minister of Foreign Affairs: Dr NC Dlamini-Zuma
The Minister of Defence: Mr C Nqakula
The Minister of Finance: Mr TA Manuel
The Minister of Provincial and Local Government: Mr S Shiceka
The Minister of Transport: Mr JT Radebe
The Minister of Social Development: Dr ZST Skweyiya
The Minister of Public Enterprises: Mrs BS Mabandla
The Minister of Communications: Dr IF Matsepe-Casaburri
The Minister of Public Service and Administration : Mr R Baloyi
The Minister of Labour: Mr MMS Mdladlana
The Minister of Public Works: Mr GQM Doidge
The Minister of Intelligence: Mr S Cwele
The Minister of Health: Ms B Hogan
The Minister in The Presidency : Dr ME Tshabalala-Msimang
The Minister of Correctional Services: Dr BMN Balfour
The Minister of Housing: Dr LN Sisulu
The Minister of Safety and Security: Mr EN Mthethwa
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Mr ME Surty
The Minister of Education: Mrs GNM Pandor
The Minister of Arts and Culture: Dr ZP Jordan
The Minister of Sport and Recreation: Rev MA Stofile
The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism: Mr MCJ van Schalkwyk
The Minister of Trade and Industry: Mr MB Mpahlwa
The Minister of Science and Technology : Mr MA Mangena
The Minister of Mineral and Energy: Ms BP Sonjica
The Minister of Home Affairs: Ms NN Mapisa-Nqakula
The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Ms LB Hendricks
The Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs: Ms LM Xingwana

I’ve stipulated these for reference sake later in life. A quote from his Kgalema Motlanthe’s acceptance speech:

“We live in challenging times. We see before us many mountains that are yet to be climbed, and numerous rivers that still need to be crossed. Yet, for all the challenges that lie ahead, the incontrovertible truth is that never before has South Africa been closer than it is today towards the achievement of a better life for all its people. We therefore have a shared responsibility to build on these results and to strive together - sparing neither courage nor strength - towards the achievement of a better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world.”

I sure hope he achieves his plight and that he brings about a harmonious living for all the residents of South Africa and Africa. I salute you Mr President.