Mbeki deals his premier cards
2004-04-22 00:09
Cape Town - President Thabo Mbeki on Wednesday named eight new premier candidates.
Only Gauteng's Mbhazima Shilowa keeps his job.
In the Western Cape, provincial leader Ebrahim Rasool has been given the nod.
In KwaZulu-Natal, if the African National Congress rules the province, transport MEC S'bu Ndebele has been given the green light.
In the Eastern Cape, Mbeki pulled a surprise by naming sports, arts and culture MEC Nosimo Balindlela as the new premier in the place of Makhenkesi Stofile.
There had been rumours that the province's ANC deputy leader Enoch Godongwana would replace Stofile.
Free State welfare MEC Beatrice Marshoff will take over from Winkie Direko.
In North West, Edna Molewa will be the new premier.
In Mpumalanga, Ndaweni Mahlangu will be replaced by the province's safety MEC, Thabang Makwetla.
Worked together well
Sello Moloto, the health MEC in Limpopo, has been nominated to head the government there.
Another health MEC set to take the provincial reigns is be Dipuo Peters in the Northern Cape.
Out-going Western Cape premier Marthinus van Schalkwyk, said it was only fair that the biggest party in the province's coalition named the premier.
"Ebrahim Rasool and I worked together extremely well.
"He is an excellent choice as premier and the New National Party will co-operate with him fully to continue the stability in the provincial government," said Van Schalkwyk.
Rasool could not be reached for comment.