MBOMBELA – The premier, Mr David Mabuza, reshuffled his provincial government on Wednesday.
He included four new faces. They are the ANC Youth League’s provincial secretary, Ms Sasekani Manzini, former ANC deputy-chief whip, Mr Petros Ngomane, former Nkangala executive mayor and a member of the legislature, Mr Speedy Mashilo, and former Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality executive mayor, Ms Busi Shiba.
Mashilo has been appointed MEC for human settlements and replaces Ms Violet Siwela. Ngomane replaces
Mr Vusi Shongwe as MEC for community safety, security and liaison. Shongwe was appointed as MEC for agriculture, land administration and environment. Shiba is the new MEC for social development, replacing Ms Nomsa Mtsweni, who has been appointed the new executive mayor of Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
Manzini is the new MEC for public works, roads and transport.
She replaces Ms Dumisile Nhlengethwa, who has been appointed the speaker of Msukaligwa Local Municipality.
Mr Eric Kholwane retained his portfolio as MEC for economic development and tourism, and Mr Gillion Mashego that of health.
Ms Norah Mabena-Mahlangu remains the MEC for culture, sport and recreation and Ms Refilwe Mtsweni has also been retained in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Ms Reginah Mhaule remains MEC of education.
“As part of ongoing review and assessment of government work at both provincial and local government levels, it becomes necessary to look at different ways of enhancing the quality of service delivery to benefit our people. Indeed, the local government elections have come and gone, but as the ruling party, we have heard what the people are saying,” said Mabuza.
“They still believe in us, and they do want us to continue running the government on their behalf. We are so grateful and humbled by this gesture. We commit ourselves to continue to be the servants of the people and we will ensure that we accelerate the level of service delivery. At municipal level, we have already deployed capable leaders who will ensure that the people are served.
“The same expectation of the people goes to the leadership of the provincial government. We have gathered here to announce leadership changes in our executive council.
“As the premier, I am constitutionally and personally responsible for all the departments. It is my prerogative to appoint members of the executive to run the departments on my behalf. Equally so, I also have a right to reorganise the executive council.
Also read : https://www.citizen.co.za/mpumalanga-news/282552/premier-mabuza-to-announce-cabinet-reshuffle-today/
“Obviously when rearranging the executive council, one assesses the strengths of the members, and places them where we believe they will make a positive impact. Before we announce the reconfiguration of the executive council, let me take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members for their contribution over the past two years. We wish them well in their endeavours.
“We also take this opportunity to congratulate the new members who are joining us. You are coming on board at a difficult time in our lives, when people out there are expecting a lot from us. We are sure you have heard the people yourselves,” Mabuza concluded.
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