Newly appointed MEC ready to grow tourism industry

By Kopano Dibakwane

The newly appointed MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in Mpumalanga, Makhosazane Christine Masilela, has disclosed her intention to grow the economy of the province by developing the tourism industry.

Masilela, who previously served as the Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, has assured the executive management team that she’s open to constructive criticism, especially when pertaining to her ideas and suggestions that can improve the provincial economy.

“ After taking the oath of office, Premier Mandla Ndlovu gave me the marching orders to focus on tourism development and growth. The Premier wants us to create our own ‘Table Mountain’ at Mariepskop with its own cable car. He wants us to create our own waves, he wants tourists to experience everything they go for in Cape Town and Durban all in one province,” said Masilela.

The MEC has received the nod of approval from Acting Head of Department, Cain Chunda, during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Department of Public Entities, Mduduzi Vilakazi of MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency) and Vusi Mtsweni from Mpumalanga Economic Regulator(MER), in which Chunda committed to support Masilela towards fulfilling her mandate.

“ We must work together as a team, as one family with our Public Entities, so that we can become a well-oiled machine in our quest to grow the economy of our province,” said Masilela.

According to a statement by the Department, the MEC will focus on the Economic Development and Tourism, following the separation of the Finance portfolio from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.