Cabinet ministers sketch out priorities as they officially take up positions

CAPE TOWN - Newly sworn-in Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers have sketched out their priorities as they officially take up their positions.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has sworn in the deputy president, 32 Cabinet ministers and 43 deputy ministers, who will now form part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s executive.

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Ramaphosa's Cabinet and executive now includes members of seven different political parties, who form part of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
 
Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony saw new ministers and deputy ministers taking up new roles in Ramaphosa's expanded executive.

One such minister is new prisons boss, Pieter Groenewald, who as correctional services minister will prioritise addressing corruption in the department which has seen some high-profile prison escapes in recent years.

"The priorities of course is corruption, rehabilitation, and I also think that when it comes to privatisation, I first want to get everything on the table."

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, meanwhile, said that she would make sure that Ramaphosa received adequate support to deliver as the head of the GNU.

"As designated minister in the Presidency, I will make sure that we support the president to deliver and the Cabinet collective to deliver."

It's now down to business for the ministers and deputies with the first Cabinet meeting expected to take place in due course.