Brand-new MEC hits the ground running
To be young and gifted is what best describes new MEC for public works, roads and transport, Ms Sasekani Manzini.
MBOMBELA -She was in a working mood on Tuesday morning, in her already seven-day job since she was appointed last Wednesday.
After waiting for half an hour because she was busy with meetings with her management staff, including the HOD, she ushered us into her office and warmly welcomed us.
Although she is an acquaintance of mine, our chit chat was cut abruptly as we delved on the business of the day, her new position and how she’s been coping.
“The first few days have been fine really. One was expected to hit the road running, hence I’ve been running around dealing and attending to all businesses that needed my intervention. My plan is to optimise service delivery for the communities and ensure that there’s efficient transport for them and that the department meets the triple challenges that affect people,” she said matter-of-factly.
Does she have the necessary experience to run a department of this magnitude?
“You know I’ve been the provincial secretary of the youth league, involved in ANC work and have been participating in deliberations on governance. I have been a part of the decision makers from the ANC side. I know what needs to be mended, and besides, I have been a Member of the Mayoral Committee in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. So you see, matters of governance are within my competency,” explained Manzini.
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She holds a diploma in marketing from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), municipal business diploma from the University of Johannesburg, and is studying for a leadership certificate through the University of the Witwatersrand.
“What you need to do as a woman is to go in and occupy that space. As women, we must be confident enough to tackle anything without limiting ourselves. The sky is the limit for us,” she ended.
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