Ngubane to join foreign service

President Thabo Mbeki`s office has announced that Dr Ben Ngubane has left his position as minister of arts, culture, science and technology as of yesterday. Ngubane is joining the diplomatic service.

The president has decided to assign Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, minister of minerals and energy affairs, the additional responsibility of the ministry of arts, culture, science and technology.

Mbeki expressed gratitude to Ngubane for "having distinguished himself as an outstanding minister since his appointment".

The statement said Ngubane had positioned SA as a major and influential contributor to the development of arts, culture, science and technology.