Pietermaritzburg - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize has announced his provincial cabinet, after much speculation about who will and will not be retained.
The Department of Housing was merged with the Department of Public Works to form the Department of Human Settlements. It will be led by Maggie Govender.
Former Mayor of Newcastle Sibongiseni Dlomo has taken over as Health MEC from Neliswa Nkonyeni, who was re-deployed as the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Speaker. Former MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Mtolephi Mthimkhulu has been appointed Deputy Speaker.
The province's former Speaker Willies Mchunu will take over as the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs.
The new Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development will be lead by Lydia Johnson.
Mike Mabuyakhulu will lead the Department for Economic Development and Tourism portfolio; he had held the post of MEC for Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs since 2004.
Ina Cronje was announced as MEC of Finance.
A new face in the Executive Council is Senzo Mchunu. The former provincial secretary of the ANC will be heading the Department of Education.
Bheki Cele will stay on as MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison - a position he has held since 2004. MEC for Social Development Meshack Radebe will also keep his position.
Following Mr Mkhize's announcement, the members of the Cabinet were sworn in, where they committed to working together to improve the lives of the people of the province.
