New Science and Technology Minister sworn in

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Pretoria - Derek Hanekom has been sworn in as the Minister of the Department of Science and Technology by the Honourable Justice Bess Nkabinde at a ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Hanekom had been serving as Deputy Minister at the department since 2004 when the President announced his appointment on Wednesday.

He took over the reins from Naledi Pandor, who has been appointed as Minister of Home Affairs to replace Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. Dlamini Zuma will take up her post as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa this month.

Speaking after being sworn in, Hanekom said the appointment was "quite a humbling experience".

"I am going to take the department into greater heights," he said.

He praised Pandor for the sterling work and guidance she had provided whilst still with the department.