Following the swearing in of South Africa's new state president, Kgalema Motlanthe this afternoon, the president gave his first speech to parliament and announced his Cabinet.
Said President Motlanthe: "Madam Speaker, in the interest of establishing immediate stability, and certainty, I have thought it important not to delay in filling whatever vacancies may have occurred in government and confirming the Cabinet."
The biggest surprise is the appointment of minister of health Manto Tshabalala-Msimang as minister in the presidency, which means the government communication and information service (GCIS) reports directly to her.
The GCIS is directly responsible for the development and deployment of the Thusong multi-purpose community centres that aim to bring e-government services closer to those who would not normally have access to them.
Tshabalala-Msimang is replaced as minister of heath by long-time ANC stalwart Barbara Hogan.
As expected, Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri retains her portfolio as minister of communications, with Roy Padayachie being kept on as her deputy.
Finance minister Trevor Manuel, who resigned in the wake of former president Thabo Mbeki's departure, has been re-appointed into his post, without a deputy minster.
Public enterprises minister is now Bridget Mabandla, formerly justice and constitutional affairs minister. She replaces Alec Erwin, another of the ministers who tendered their resignation in support of former president Thabo Mbeki.
Public service and administration is now headed by Richard Baloyi, who is the ANC treasurer general and a new member of parliament. He replaces Geraldine Fraser-Moloketi. The department of public service and administration is critically important for almost all of government's IT needs because the State IT Agency falls under its ambit.
President Motlanthe said that he would confirm the appointment of Azanian People's Organisation president Mosibudi Mangena as minister of science and technology on Friday, once discussions with AZAPO had been concluded. Derek Hanekom retains his position as deputy minister of science and technology.
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula remains minister of home affairs. This ministry is particularly important given its turnaround involves a multi-billion rand IT contract.
Replacing Ronnie Kasrils on the intelligence portfolio is Siyabonga Twele. The intelligence ministry is sponsoring the Protection of Personal Information bill, which could have a strong bearing on the South African ICT sector if it is passed.
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