Mathabatha reshuffles cabinet

Premier Stan Mathabatha announced a reshuffle of his cabinet late this afternoon (Wednesday).
Five Members of the Executive Council (MECs) have been swapped, a move that raised eyebrows with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo which alleged that the reshuffle was for political survival.
According to a statement released by the Premier’s Office, Nandi Ndalane will replace Jerry Ndou as the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure while Ndou replaces Makoma Makhurupetje as MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), while Makhurupetje was deployed to Transport and Community Safety. Joyce Mashamba, who has been on special leave since December will replace Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana as the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development. Mokaba-Phukwana was placed at Social Development. Phophi Ramathuba, Seaparo Sekoati, Onicca Moloi, Ishmael Kgetjepe and Rob Tooley are still responsible for their respective portfolios.
DA Provincial Leader Jacques Smalle was quoted saying the deployment of Mashamba to Agriculture is a concern as she has been suffering from poor health for most of this year.
Coghsta is expected to appear before the Legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts tomorrow (Thursday) for Makhurupetje to respond to questions relating to the Tubatse land issue, but it seems as if Ndou would have to answer instead.

Story: Endy Senyatsi