Dr Zweli Mkhize was on Wednesday sworn in as the fifth KwaZulu-Natal premier since the first South African democratic elections in 1994.

He was elected by the majority of KwaZulu-Natal's 80-member legislature in Pietermaritzburg.

Delivering his acceptance speech after being sworn in by Acting KZN Judge President Philip Levinsohn, Mkhize said the 2009 elections had signalled the dawning of a new era, offering the people of KZN and South Africa an opportunity to make a new start.

He stated "We are called upon to hold each other's hands and make a fresh start, building on what we have already achieved - a South Africa of our dreams. This is therefore my call to all the people of KZN: to embrace this new hope for a better future and make a fresh start together as one people".

Echoing the conciliatory stance taken by Zuma, he said his government would focus on eliminating political tension and intolerance, and deepening a culture of respect among members and leaders of different political parties.

"We will strive for the creation of healthy relationships and co-operative coexistence between the ruling party and opposition parties, and promotion of vibrant debate as a hallmark of our multi-party democracy.

New Cabinet

The new provincial cabinet was also announced.

Lydia Johnson was announced the new MEC for agriculture and environmental affairs.

Wesizwe Thusi was made MEC for arts, culture, sport and recreation. Mike Mabuyakhulu was announced economic development MEC.

The ANC's former provincial secretary, Senzo Mchunu would take over as education MEC, replacing Ina Cronje, who was announced as the new finance MEC. The post was previously held by Zweli Mkhize.

Newcomer Dr Maxwell Dlomo would take over as the health MEC, replacing Peggy Nkonyeni, who was last week announced as the speaker of the KZN legislature.

Another newcomer, Maggie Govender, would head the human settlement department, formerly known as housing.

Willies Mchunu, the province's former speaker was announced the new MEC for local government and traditional affairs, while Meshack Hadebe was named social development MEC.

Transport and safety MEC Bheki Cele would remain in his post.

Priorities

The new cabinet will focus on the following five priorities

•           Rural development and agrarian reform.

•           Fighting crime, supporting community conflict resolution mechanisms, promoting effective policing and fighting corruption.

•           Effective health services and promotion of health programmes including HIV/ AIDS and TB.

•           Promotion of adult literacy.

•           Building the economy to create decent jobs, fight unemployment and eradicate poverty, and promoting small enterprise development and building a co-operative movement to address the issue of empowerment.

Spirit of Renewal

In the conclusion of his inaugural speech Dr Mkhize stated that "Our conviction  that the future is in our hands will help us to transform KZN to become the leading province in terms of its economic development and the quality of lives of all its citizens. This is the time to move on and embrace the spirit of renewal."