New MECs commit to tackling burning issues

Following their deployment by Premier Stan Mathabatha to various portfolios last Wednesday, the new members of the executive council (MECs) have affirmed their commitment to tackle major issues affecting residents in the province.
Among the new faces in the sixth Executive Council (Exco) is Education MEC Polly Boshielo who informed Polokwane Observer after the swearing in ceremony that schools infrastructure, economic and skills development would be some of her priorities once she is settled in the department. She further highlighted that she will add her own flavours as soon as she gets a firm grip of the portfolio she is entrusted with.
“My love and passion for education would come in handy and I am confident that I will do well. I want to register for a doctorate in management or transport but I am still deciding on the institution. This is a big department and I don’t want to take it for granted,” she explained.
Boshielo, the former Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, had words of encouragement for her successor, Mavhungu Luruli-Ramakhanya saying that she must be calm and treat all political parties represented in the house equally.
New Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) MEC, Thabo Mokone described the portfolio as challenging and said his main focus would be job creation, help building houses and improving Limpopo Economic Development Agency. He added that the planned Musina-Makhado and Tubatse Special Economic Zones were some of the major projects that he intends to intensify for them to create jobs for residents and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
Former Mopani District Municipality Mayor, Nkakareng Rakgoale, who took up the Social Development position on the Exco, stated that a lot was expected of her and went on to say voters were clear about what they want such as social grant pay points. “I have been a mayor hence I am acquainted with the challenges faced by our people. A shortage of qualified social workers is one of the concerns that have to be addressed,” Rakgoale said.

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