Limpopo’s new leadership elected, new MEC’s sworn in
The ANC said it was confident that the new council would deliver on its mandate.
POLOKWANE – The province’s newly elected leadership, from Members of the Executive Council to legislative officials, to members of the Legislature and National Council of Provinces members were sworn in last Wednesday. The ceremony was held at Limpopo Legislature, during the sixth sitting of the democratic legislature.
The ANC said it was confident that the new council would deliver on its mandate. Provincial Secretary, Soviet Lekganyane said those sworn in will execute their functions in line with the undertakings of the party’s manifesto.
You might also want to read: Chupu Mathabatha re-appointed as Limpopo Premier
Former Vhembe Mayor and ANC Limpopo Deputy Chairperson, Florence Radzilani’s swearing in as Member of the Legislature saw comments from EFF Provincial Leader, Jossey Buthane, as she had been linked to the VBS scandal and the matter between her and the ANC’s Integrity Commission had not yet been finalised.
“VBS or no VBS,” Buthane said, amid laughter from guests. Asked for comment, Buthane said the new leadership would not bring any change and that the premier was “clueless on what is happening in parliament”.
“The EFF will be very watchful,” he said, accusing the ANC of being arrogant, and the organisation of being rotten. He did not want to comment on individual appointments.
Newly elected to the Legislature, Freedom Front Plus MPL Marcelle Maritz said she was somewhat worried, as some members who had been sworn in had previously been linked to unethical dealings. She said the premier did not have a proper record of acting against corrupt officials, and of holding them accountable.
“I don’t know how the ANC can allow certain people to take up positions of leadership again. Mathabatha will have to stand up and start doing his job now. We will watch them.”
Jacques Smalle, the DA Provincial Leader, found some appointments equally puzzling, saying: “Certain appointments surely had me scratching my head”. He referred to Dickson Masemola, now MEC for Transport, who previously served as MEC of Education during the time the department was put under administration.
The newly appointed Speaker, Mavhungu Luruli Ramakhanya was Mayor of Makhado when the Auditor-General found R24 million conditional grants used in an irregular manner and tenders were also irregularly awarded, said Smalle.
“They had sworn in people who were previously directly linked with corruption, which shows they are not serious about fighting corruption.”
He said the new MECs do not have a lot of experience and they would struggle at the beginning. “We are going to hold them accountable.” On a more positive note, Smalle said Polly Boshielo might bring stability to the Education Department.
The new Members of the Executive Council are:
Sport, Arts and Culture: Thandi Moraka
Education: Polly Boshielo
Agriculture and Rural Development: Nnandi Ndalane
Economic Development, Environment and Tourism: Thabo Mokone
Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure: Monica Mochadi
Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs: Basikopo Makamu
Social Development: Nkakareng Rakgoale
Treasury: Seaparo Sekoati
Health: Dr Phophi Ramathuba
Transport: Dickson Masemola
Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) sworn in are Aleck Nchabeleng, Shahidabibi Shaikh, Matibe Tshitereke and Liliet Mamaregane.
