Limpopo’s newly appointed MECs will be sworn in today.
Premier Chupu Mathabatha stated on Thursday the move followed the removal of three MECs from the Executive Council to bolster service performance and corporate governance.
Mathabatha announced the axing of Transport and Community Safety MEC Polly Boshielo, Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Thandi Moraka, and Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Dickson Masemola.
Florence Radzilani has been appointed MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana will be responsible for Sports Arts and Culture.
Katlego Suzan Phala, Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Whip in Limpopo, has sharply criticized a recent provincial government reshuffle. Phala says that Premier Stan Mathabatha is more interested in campaigning for support of the upcoming ANC national conference than in governing a province beset by serious problems.
According to Phala, the DA has serious concerns about the appointments of Florence Radzilani as MEC for Education and Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana as MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture following lackluster performances by Boshielo, Thandi Moraka and Masemola.
Mathabatha appointed Florence Radzilani as MEC for Transport and Community Safety and Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana as MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture.
Phala said Radzilani and Sibanda-Kekana were former mayors in Vhembe and Lepelle Nkumpi involved in the VBS investment scandal fired after the release of the “Great Bank Heist” report, but were subsequently awarded with seats in the Provincial Legislature.
In a statement on Thursday, Premier Spokesperson, Willy Mosoma said that the move to dismiss some MECs came after the assessment of their performances and how the province could improve service delivery.
He said the Premier’s office is looking at reshuffling MEC positions in light of these recent changes, with several key individuals being shuffled or replaced outright.
Phala said it is clear that this latest reshuffle is not in the interest of a province in real distress, but rather for Premier Mathabatha and his faction to gird for the upcoming ANC national conference.
“We are gravely concerned that Poppy Ramathuba, who has done very little to improve health care and who is now infamous for the Veritas Digital cash spend, survived as MEC for Health,” said Phala.
Roger Manama’s stint as SCOPA chairperson is indicative that it is doubtful that he will add value as MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Moreover, Phalala said the R108 million fruitless and wasteful expenditure of the Tubatse land deal transpired right under Manama’s nose as the then Chief Director of Local Government.
According to Phala Mathabatha lost a real opportunity to make more extensive changes to provide credible leaders for an ailing province.
Instead, Phala said the Premier opted for stomach politics which casts doubt over his frequent and well-rehearsed commitments to fight corruption.
“We will closely monitor the performance of Premier Mathabatha’s newly appointed cadres and will hold them to account,” added Phala.
Premier Mathabatha current Executive Council
- Department of Education: MEC Mavhungu Leruli-Ramakhanya.
- Department of Transport and Community Safety: MEC Florence Radzilani.
- Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure: MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale.
- Department of Social Development: MEC Nandi Ndalane.
- Department of Health: MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
- Department of Provincial Treasury: MEC Seaparo Sekwati.
- Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: MEC Thabo Mokone.
- Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism: MEC Rodgers Monama.
- Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs: MEC Basikopo Makamu.
- Department of Sport, Arts and Culture: MEC Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana.
The swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed MECs will be held on this morning (Friday), at 11am, at the Office of the Premier.
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