Willies Mchunu officially sworn in as KZN Premier

The newly sworn-in Premier says he is still to meet heads of department to make sure he hits the ground running in his new position. 

With elections fast approaching, Mchunu is calling on all parties to demonstrate political maturity and tolerance.

 He told reporters that if this is done, it would be possible to achieve a violence-free election. 

Also read: BREAKING: Senzo Mchunu steps down as KZN Premier   

Mchunu pledged to continue engaging communities to address public protests. He says he wants to settle in before publicly discussing the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle.

"As soon as I have done that, I will then be in a position to say what should happen in government. At the present moment, I am just coming into office," he said.  

Mchunu is taking over from Senzo Mchunu who resigned on Monday at the instruction of the ruling party. 

The DA and IFP have both congratulated the new Premier with both parties saying they were critical of his predecessor. 

They both said Senzo Mchunu led a divided provincial government and Cabinet.