The Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr Popane Lebesa, has been appointed the new Minister of Public Works and Transport, filling up a vacancy left by the recent death of the late Mr. Mofelehetsi Moerane.

Retiring for health reasons, Mr Sello Machakela, the incumbent Minister of Employment and Labour, will be replaced by the Assistant Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Rehabilitation, and of Law and Constitutional Affairs, Mrs. Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa.

The Member of Parliament for the 'Maliepetsane Constituency, Mr. Rammotsi E. Lehata has been appointed the new Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Mr. Khotso Matla, Member of Parliament for the Tsikoane Constituency will be the new Assistant Minister of Trade, Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing.

The Assistant Minister of Trade, Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing, Mr. Mothejoa Metsing will take over from Mrs. Mahase-Moiloa.

The other changes are the transfer of  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Training, Mr. Lesao Lehohla to Home Affairs and Public Safety while the incumbent, Mr. M. T. Thabane, moves to the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology.

Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Monyane Moleleki is the new Minister of Foreign Affairs with Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa taking over the Education and Training portfolio. Dr. 'Mamphono Khaketla  moves from Communications to Natural Resources.

The statement said Government was immensely grateful to Mr. Machakela for the selfless and conscientious manner in which he carried out his onerous responsibility as a Minister of the Crown.

18 November 2004