Mixed reaction to ANC Limpopo appointments in the GNU
As the only MKP representative in the Limpopo Legislature, Jack addressed the media at the Parliamentary Village in Bendor, Polokwane, emphasising his mandate from former president, Jacob Zuma.
POLOKWANE – The appointment of five ANC members from Limpopo to the cabinet for the first time signifies President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recognition of the province’s substantial contribution to national politics.
This view was shared by ANC provincial executive spokesperson Jimmy Machaka in response to the recent cabinet appointments in the Government of National Unity (GNU), announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday evening.
Former premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha has been appointed as the deputy minister of Land Reform and Rural Development while former Public Works MEC Dickson Masemola is now a deputy minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; former Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Tandi Moraka is the deputy minister for International Relations and Cooperation, and Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale have been appointed as deputy ministers of the police ministry.
DA leader in Limpopo, Lindy Wilson, expressed support for Solly Malatsi’s appointment as the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
“He has been a spokesperson for the DA for the longest time, and it is a portfolio we know he is going to excel in. We wish him all the best of luck and he has our support,” Wilson told the Polokwane Observer.
Political commentator Ismail Cohen, however criticised the replacement of Ronald Lamola with former Polokwane Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng in the Justice and Constitutional Development portfolio.
Cohen argued that the new assignments should be aligned with previous work experiences and relevant qualifications.
“Replacing Lamola with Nkadimeng, who might not have the relevant qualifications and familiarity with the portfolio, might lead to ineffectiveness and incompetence along with a lack of proper oversight,” he remarked.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union has expressed discomfort with the appointment of a DA-led minister to the Basic Education portfolio.
Provincial secretary Sowell Tjebane described Siviwe Gwarube’s appointment as a slap in the face, despite their respect for Ramaphosa’s decision in the GNU.
“The DA has labelled Sadtu a rival in the past because their policies have been anti-trade unions. For a long time, the DA did not believe that trade unions have a right to exist. They have always made statements that Sadtu is responsible for all the problems in the education sector, accusing us of opposing education in this country, of being in charge of education, and of controlling the Department of Education and the ministers. While we respect the decision, we are worried,” Tjebane said.
