The new Mpumalanga Provincial Government Cabinet
By Kopano Dibakwane &Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
While the country awaits the inauguration of the president Cyril Ramaphosa , premiers across provinces have been sworn in in their new positions and electing of their cabinets.
Mpumalanga province amongst the Nine has a new Premier after former Premier Refilwe-Mtshweni Tsipane was elected as the new NCOP chairperson.
Mandla Ndlovu, was sworn in on Tuesday 18 June in Mbombela, by the Judge President(JP) of the Mpumalanga High Court-Justice Segopotje Mphahlele, to lead the 7th Administration.
The ceremony marked the completion of the process that started on Friday 14 June, whereby representatives of various political parties were sworn-in as Members of the Provincial Legislature, including the election of Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Premier.
In his address, Premier Ndlovu thanked his predecessor, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, who led the province for one term and was recently elected as the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces(NCOP). He also congratulated and threw his weight behind the re-election of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to lead the nation for a second term.
“ The vision of this government is making the lives of our people better continues to those deployed and the administration to work tirelessly until it is achieved. Our people have spoken, and we got the message that they yearn for sustainable quality services. They yearn for portable water, improved sanitation facilities, improved road infrastructure, a safe environment, good health services, to name a few,” said Ndlovu.
He said that District Development Model(DDM) to strengthen the capacity of the infrastructure department, in its quest to invest in the people. Ndlovu also touched on the need to fight crime and Gender Based Violence and Femicide(GBVF). In conclusion, the Premier mentioned that other government priorities will be disclosed during the SOPA(State Of the Province Address), which is scheduled to take place in few weeks to come.
The newly appointed Members of the Executive Council(MEC’s), tasked to lead different government departments were announced as follows; Sasekani Janet Manzini(Health), Landulile Cathrine Dlamini(Education), Thulasizwe Simon Thomo(Public Works, Roads and Transport), Brenda Khethiwe Moeketsi(Social Development), Nompumelo Evidence Hlophe (Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), Bonakele Amos Majuba(Provincial Treasury), Makhosazane Christine Masilela(Economic Development and Tourism), Fana Vincent Mlombo(Culture, Sports and Recreation), Khesani Jackie Macie(Community Safety, Security and Liaison), Speed Katishi Mashilo(Human Settlements, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs).
