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It is a great honour for me to accept this invitation to join the Cabinet of the Western Cape Government.

The decision is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Democratic Alliance and the Independent Democrats, whose aim it is to add value and content to the project of consolidating our democracy.

I would also like to add that yesterday I obtained the unanimous approval of the ID's National Management Committee and that I therefore have the full backing of my colleagues.

Last week I said to Helen, "Give me a real task and I will consider it."

And a very short time later she sent me a document containing exactly that.

What has struck me in my discussions with Premier Helen Zille is that we agree that overcoming poverty is the number 1 priority in our country.

We also agree that as leaders we have a Constitutional responsibility to bridge the divides between the rich and poor.

I have spent the past 30 years fighting for the rights of the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden.

Social issues have always been a passion for me and this passion is what I will bring with me to the Department.

I want to assure the people of the Western Cape that as has been the case with every challenge I have faced over the past 30 years, I am ready to take up this challenge.

I also want to assure the millions of South Africans across our country that we will show them how honest, transparent and clean governance can improve lives.