South Africa’s new Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba would meet with the National Treasury executive committee on Friday as he prepared to take over control of the public purse, his office said.

In a short statement, Gigaba’s office said he was humbled by his appointment to serve the country and its people as finance minister.

“He has had discussions with his predecessor, Mr Pravin Gordhan, and they have agreed to a meeting soon,” the statement said.

“The Minister-designate has met with the National Treasury Director-General and has therefore been briefed on pertinent and most urgent issues.”

Gigaba plans to address his first media briefing as Finance Minister on Saturday.