Pretoria - National Freedom Front leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi was sworn in as deputy minister of science and technology on Friday evening, the presidency said.
“KaMagwaza-Msibi was sworn in by Judge President of the Gauteng division of the High Court, Dunstan Mlambo, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria,” said spokesman Mac Maharaj.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa officiated at the ceremony in place of President Jacob Zuma, who is resting and working from home for a few days, Maharaj said.
Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor also attended the ceremony.
KaMagwaza-Msibi is one of six NFP members who earned themselves seats in the National Assembly following her party's breakaway from the Inkatha Freedom Party in 2011, and contesting its first general elections on May 7.
The NFP garnered 288,742 votes in the elections. The party also won six seats in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature.
KaMagwaza-Msibi formerly served as Zululand district municipality mayor.
She was also IFP chairwoman, from 2006 to 2011, before the split.
Sapa