President Jacob Zuma read his Cabinet members the Riot Act as he chaired his first Cabinet meeting at Tuynhuys on Wednesday.

The main purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the Cabinet Lekgotla next week, where government’s plans will be set out.

Government Spokesperson Themba Maseko said the new head of state made it very clear to his cabinet they were no longer ordinary citizens.

Zuma told ministers they were to take their jobs seriously and conduct themselves in a manner befitting their office.

Maseko said the bulk of the ground work for cabinet will be laid down next week.

The Cabinet Lekgotla will focus on the adoption of a medium term strategic frame work.

Maseko said the new government policy direction will be informed by the electoral mandate.

Eyewitness News