Cape Town - Western Cape Premier Helen Zille was officially sworn in to a second term at her provincial office in Cape Town on Monday morning.
Zille, in a regal black skirt suit, entered the crowded boardroom where she would be taking her oath just before 10am.
Her newly appointed MECs, and their family and friends, greeted her around a long, wooden table.
Western Cape deputy Judge President Jeanette Traverso oversaw the ceremony in her black robes.
She read out the oath, which required Zille to be faithful to the country and her province.
It also required her to respect both national and provincial constitutions, all laws, and undertake to hold office with honour and dignity.
The oath ended off with a promise to be a true and faithful servant and to perform all functions conscientiously and to the best of her ability.
Zille raised her right hand and said: “So help me God”.
The room was silent save for the clicking of cameras.
She tried signing her oath but had a bit of trouble with the pen. It soon worked and both she and Traverso added their signatures.
Traverso wished the premier well.
“Premier, I wish you all the luck and all the wisdom you require,” the judge said.
Zille responded by saying she took the oath very seriously.
Her 10 MECs were also sworn in.
Human settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela read out the Xhosa oath for himself and cultural affairs and sport MEC Nomafrench Mbombo.
Zille congratulated them and said she was looking forward to working with the team. - Sapa