Freshly-sworn in KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has announced his provincial cabinet for the next five-year term.

Around 200 guests, including former president Jacob Zuma, were present for Zikalala's inauguration as premier on Monday in Pietermaritzburg, following the May 8 general elections.

The African National Congress (ANC) retained the province, albeit with a significantly reduced majority - an almost 11% decline.

The 10 MECs to serve under Zikalala will be:

1. Agriculture and Rural Development: MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi

2. Arts and Culture, Sports and Recreation: MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela

3. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: MEC Sipho Hlomuka

4. Transport, Community Safety and Liaison: MEC Mxolisi Kaunda

5. Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs: MEC Nomusa Dube-Mncube

6. Education: MEC Kwazi Mshengu

7. Health: MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu

8. Social Development: MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza

9. Provincial Treasury: MEC Ravi Pillay

10. Public Works: Peggy Nkonyeni

Zuma makes appearance

A smiling Zuma was among the 200 guests who were invited to a smaller than usual swearing-in ceremony at the premier's residence in Pietermaritzburg.

Some of the other high level guests such as Zuma were former transport minister Sbu Ndebele and Police Minister Bheki Cele.

Zuma was a no-show at President Cyril Ramaphosa's inauguration over the weekend.

He was the only living post-apartheid president not to attend, unlike Kgalema Motlanthe and Thabo Mbeki.