Stanley Mathabatha sworn in as new Limpopo premier

18 July 2013 - 13:38 By Sapa
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Limpopo coat of arms
Limpopo coat of arms
Image: Provincial Government of Mpumalanga

South Africa's former ambassador to Ukraine Stanley Mathabatha was sworn in as the new premier of Limpopo in a special sitting of the legislature.

He was sworn in around 10.30am, said Democratic Alliance caucus leader in the legislature Desiree van der Walt.

Mthabatha succeeds Cassel Mathale, who resigned on Monday after being "recalled" by the African National Congress.

Mathale is expected to become a Member of Parliament.

The DA assured the new premier of its full support.

"The DA assures the new premier of its full support on matters of governance," provincial leader Jacques Smalle said in a statement.

It had unsuccessfully tried to call a debate on a motion of no confidence in Mathale.

In his statement, Smalle said Mathabatha should start by firing roads and transport MEC Pinky Kekana after the public protector found wrongdoing in the department; and education MEC Dickson Masemola after a textbook controversy.

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