Around 200 guests, including former president Jacob Zuma, were present for Zikalala’s inauguration as premier on Monday in Pietermaritzburg, following the May 8 general elections.

The ANC retained the province, albeit with a significantly reduced majority – an almost 11% decline.

The 10 MECs to serve under Zikalala will be:

1. Agriculture and Rural Development: MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi;

2. Arts and Culture, Sports and Recreation: MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela;

3. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: MEC Sipho Hlomuka;

4. Transport, Community Safety and Liaison: MEC Mxolisi Kaunda;

5. Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs: MEC Nomusa Dube-Mncube;

6. Education: MEC Kwazi Mshengu;

7. Health: MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu;

8. Social Development: MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza;

9. Provincial Treasury: MEC Ravi Pillay;

10. Public Works: Peggy Nkonyeni.

Zuma makes appearance

A smiling Zuma was among the 200 guests who were invited to a smaller than usual swearing-in ceremony at the premier’s residence in Pietermaritzburg.

Some of the other high level guests such as Zuma were former transport minister Sbu Ndebele and Police Minister Bheki Cele.

Zuma was a no-show at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration over the weekend. DM