Motshekga confident in new role as South Africa’s defence minister

Motshekga, who previously headed the education ministry, was announced as defence minister when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of the Seventh National Administration on Sunday.

Motshekga and other ministers and deputy ministers took the oath of office today.

There have been several surprise appointments by Ramaphosa. His board members were sworn in on Wednesday in Cape Town.

While some praised Ronald Lamola’s decision to move from the Prison Service to the Department of International Relations, there was some surprise when Angie Motshekga took over as Defence Minister.

Now that the election has taken place, it is time for the seventh administration to act.

The newly appointed director has vowed to deliver and put the interests of the South African people first. As has the newly appointed defence minister, whose appointment has been heavily criticised.

However, Motshekga pledged to support her predecessor’s programmes.

“I will work with the team; I will address the issues and challenges if there are any. Because in every department there will be challenges. Based on what my predecessor said. I am coming from the same party that gave me the handover report, continue to implement it,” Motshekga says.

–SABC–