Sihle Zikalala inaugurated as KZN premier, announces cabinet

Zikalala, who is also the African National Congress (ANC) chair in the province, was sworn in at Parkside Mansion in Pietermaritzburg in front of invited guests.

Among those who witnessed him taking his oath before Judge Achmat Jappie were former president Jacob Zuma and Zikalala's predecessor, Willies Mchunu.

In his speech, Zikalala said citizens of the province will take priority.

"We want to be categorically clear. We want a government that is going to serve all people of KwaZulu-Natal. We shall serve them dearly at all times." 

Zikalala told opposition parties that the provincial government will be accountable at all times.

"Our [mandate] is not to keep issues secret and not account. Irrespective of the party that wants us to account - not to use our majority as the ANC to suppress and undermine accountability."