New beginning for SA, says Tshabalala Msimang

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Johannesburg - The inauguration of President Jacob Zuma has unified the country and marked a new beginning for South Africa, according to Manto Tshabalala Msimang.

"Today [Saturday] we are entering the new epoch in the history of our nation," said outgoing Minister in the Presidency, speaking at the Presidential Inauguration Cultural Evening in Johannesburg on Saturday evening.

However, she said this new era called on every public servant and all communities to roll up their sleeves and develop the country together.

"Only together we can deepen the practice of participation in all spheres of public life."

Ms Tshabalala Msimang sad that in his Mr Zuma's first speech as President he had explained clearly that it was time to move forward with building the country's maturing democracy by empowering the lives ordinary South Africans.

Following the inauguration ceremony yesterday, the Department of Arts and Culture held a cultural evening at Monte Casino where President Zuma's invited guests and dignitaries were treated to South African entertainment.

Local artists such as South African Music Awards winner, Lira and Gang of Instrumentals entertained the guests until late in the evening.

Mr Zuma is expected to announce his new Cabinet at 2pm this afternoon