Cabinet Ministers were sworn in at the ceremony led by Chief Justice Mahapela Lehohla in the presence of King Letsie III, Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili and his wife Mrs. 'Mathato Mosisili at the Royal Palace premises on Friday, 2nd March, 2007.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety, and of Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Lesao Lehohla was the first to take Oath of true allegiance to King Letsie III and of service to the King and his office as the Minister.

Mrs. 'Mathabiso Lepono retained his portfolio as the Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation and Dr. Ponts'o Sekatle, is still the Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship. Other ministers who have not changed portfolios are; Dr. Timothy Thahane, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Ms. Lebohang Nts'inyi who is the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture, and Mr. Ralechate 'Mokose who also retained his position as the Minister of Forestry and Land Reclamation.

Mr. Monyane Moleleki has been sworn in as the Minister of Natural Resources while Dr. 'Mamphono Khaketla is now the Minister of Education and Training. Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations

The former Minister of Labour and Employment, Mrs. Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa is now the Minister of Law and Constitutional Affairs while her position has been taken by Mr. Refiloe Masemene.

Dr. Motloheloa Phooko is the Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Mr. Popane Lebesa is the Minister of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing. Mr. Mothejoa Metsing is the new Minister for Communications, Science and Technology.

The newly appointed Ministers are: Mr. Semano Sekatle who has been appointed as the Minister of Public Service, Mr. Lesole Mokoma, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Dr. Mphu Ramatlapeng, Minister of Health and Social Welfare; and Mr. Ts'ele Chakela, Minister of Public Works and Transport.

There are six Assistant Ministers ; Mr. Mokone Lehata in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. 'Malijane Maqelepo in the Ministry of Education and Training and Mr. Khotso Matla who remains at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing.

The new Assistant Ministers are; Ms. Lineo Molise, Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety, Mrs. 'Matanki Mokhabi, Ministry of Labour and Employment, and Mr. Lekhetho Phakisi who is Assistant Minister of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation.

The number of women ministers has increased from five to six plus two additional assistant ministers.

This ceremony follows Parliamentary polls which were held on February 17 and were won by the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) which took 61 Constituencies out of 79, with Makhaleng constituency elections being postponed due to passing away of the Alliance of Congress Parties (ACP) candidate.

The All Basotho Convention (ABC) won 17 Constituencies and ACP won one Constituency.

Source: LENA