The first signs of the Government of National Unity are apparent in KwaZulu-Natal following the inauguration of the Inkatha Freedom Party’s (IFP’s) Thami Ntuli, as Premier on Tuesday, and his appointment of Democratic Alliance (DA) members in key portfolios.

Ntuli also moved the Community Safety portfolio to his office and gave the Provincial Department of Social Development to the National Freedom Party’s (NFP’s) Mbali Shinga.

The kingmaker in the province, the NFP, joined the Government of Provincial Unity in KZN, swelling the coalition ranks of the African National Congress (ANC), IFP and DA.

Ntuli appointed the DA’s Francois Rodgers and Martin Meyer to respectively oversee the Provincial Treasury and the Public Works and Infrastructure portfolios.

The IFP’s Musa Zondi takes over Economic Development and Environment Affairs; Thulasizwe Buthelezi heads up Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa oversees Agriculture and Rural Development; and Ntomuhle Khawula looks after Sports, Arts and Culture.

The ANC’s Nomagugu Simelane stays on as MEC of Health, while Siboniso Duma takes the Department of Transport and Human Settlements and Siphosihle Hlomuka heads up the Education Department.