Meet new Provincial Legislature member

Former Mayor of Mopani District and Greater Letaba Municipalities Joshua Matlou pledged to do anything in his power to carry out the responsibilities he is entrusted with after he was sworn-in as the African National Congress (ANC) Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) during a ceremony at Parliamentary Village recently.
Matlou’s induction follows the resignation of Lehlogonolo Masoga as an MPL in the first session of the sixth Legislature term. Matlou took the oath in front of his new colleagues, family and friends while guided by the Speaker of the Legislature, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya.

He said the experience and knowledge he acquired during his time as the ANC councillor would come in handy. He thanked the ANC for entrusting him with the role and his family for their continued support. Masoga resigned with immediate effect while Matlou started with Legislature duties after the swearing-in ceremony.
After the ceremony, the ANC Provincial Secretary Soviet Lekganyane congratulated Matlou on his deployment saying: “He has been number 39 on the party list to the Legislature but we got 38 seats so in terms of the electoral law you cannot change the list within 12 months after the elections meaning that when a vacancy occurs the next person in line automatically gets appointed. We are not worried about his abilities, experience and expertise. He has the necessary qualities that we need as the ANC.”
He further wished both Matlou and Masoga well in their new responsibilities. According to him, the party will be thinner at the Legislature without Masoga. He is leaving the Legislature because he wants to explore the greater world, Lekganyane explained. Masoga commenced his new duties as the Limpopo Special Economic Zone Chief Executive Officer on the day of the swearing-in ceremony. Read about his new position elsewhere.

Story/photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za