Pretoria - Newly appointed Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene has his eye set on growing the South African economy.
Minister Nene spoke moments after being sworn into office in a ceremony presided by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng held at the Presidential Guesthouse, on Monday.
He said the National Development Plan (NDP) dictates ways of improving unemployment and tackling underdevelopment in a capitalist state.
“The work has begun in growing the economy; we would like to look at investing in infrastructure. We have a solid team working within the Department of Treasury and we will continue to work as a collective.”
Minster Nene says he is happy that his appointment has been met with positivity. “The reason why there is that positivity is because it signals continuity and stability especially that the appointment is from within the department.”
He added that the newly appointed cabinet was a force to be reckoned with.
Minister Nene said in terms of the international community, Africa was the next big economy when looking at growth.
He added that South Africa would be working with the rest of the countries on the continent in economic growth.
He stated his department was strong and he looked forward to the task set before him.
On Monday, the Ministry of Finance warned the public that a Twitter account, set up in the name of Minister Nhlanhla Nene, was a counterfeit.
Minister Nene said he was aware of the fake Twitter account and joked about the account, saying he does not get upset easily.
Minister Nene has been a Member of Parliament since 1999; in 2002 he was co-chairperson of the budget committee, until 2005.
He became Deputy Minister of Finance in 2008 and was also a Member of the Local Organising Committee during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
He was also Chairperson of the Public Investment Corporation.
On Sunday night, President Jacob Zuma announced his new Cabinet, which includes new and old faces. While some departments were changed, new ones were introduced.
The President retained International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Transport Minister Dipuo Peters, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Economic Development Minister Ibrahim Patel in his Cabinet.
There have been a few surprises in the Cabinet announced by the President, with Minister Nene named the Finance Minister and Minister Pravin Gordhan moved to the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Ministry.
Former National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele has been brought in and named Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
President Zuma moved former Police Minister Nathi Mthwethwa from the security cluster to the Arts and Culture Portfolio, while Nkosinathi Nhleko – a former Director-General in the Labour Department takes up the Police Ministry portfolio. - SAnews.gov.za
