Mixed feelings over newly appointed Agri MEC
DA Provincial Leader, Jacques Smalle, said moving MEC Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana to the Department of Agriculture is a blunder.
LIMPOPO – Smalle is one of many political party leaders who commented on the cabinet reshuffling by Limpopo Premier, Stanley Mathabatha, which took place last week Wednesday.
Mokaba-Phukwana takes over the position held by the late Joy Matshoge, who died in a car accident outside Mokopane a few months ago. Smalle said Mokaba-Phukwana’s failure to address issues faced by her department has led to the increase in road fatalities and the increase of crime in the province under her watch. He continued, saying during her tenure at the Department of Transport, Mokaba-Phukwana failed to address issues such as: To initiate investigations against the CEO of Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL), Thulani Zulu, after it was revealed the entity procured goods and services from more than 35 companies and worth more than R7 million without seeking their valid tax clearance certificates for the financial years of 2013/14 and 2014/15.
“The DA is deeply concerned about her inability to take action against corrupt officials in her department,” explained Smalle.
The DA further welcomed the appointment of Onicca Moloi as MEC for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, replacing Nandi Ndalane who has been moved to the Department of Transport and Community Safety and is happy with the decision to appoint more women in these positions. Smalle said Moloi has played a critical role in all her portfolios by questioning the under-performing departments and advocating to hold officials accountable and stated there has been a lot of instability within the Department of Transport, but he believes Ndalane will bring about positive change.
Limpopo Legislature Chief Whip, Falaza Mdaka, views this restructuring as a continuation of a commitment by the ANC-led government to improve the lives of the people. He said he believes Mokaba-Phukwana will bring positive change to the portfolio.
“The new MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Onicca Moloi, is a committed community activist who has proven her mettle in a number of roles she has assumed politically and within the Legislature. Her appointment is an affirmation that the ANC is committed to youth empowerment,” Mdaka said. He added that his office has confidence in Mathabatha, under whose guidance the government continues to be responsive to the needs of the people of Limpopo.
Moloi said she is humbled to be named the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture and thanked the Limpopo local government for entrusting her with the position and promised to do her best and deliver on her promises.
At the time of going to print, comment from EFF Limpopo Provincial Secretary, Jossey Buthane, was not received regarding the reshuffling.
