Mkhize reshuffles KZN Cabinet

2011-11-15 18:40

Pietermaritzburg - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize has fired Agriculture and Environmental Affairs MEC Lydia Johnson, and Human Settlements MEC Maggie Govender.

Johnson has been replaced by Social Development MEC Meshack Radebe, who has in turn been succeeded by Sports and Recreation MEC Weziwe Thusi.

The new sports and recreation MEC is former youth commissioner, Ntombikayise Sibhidla, who was recently sworn in as a member of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature after serving as an MP.

African National Congress chief whip in the legislature, Ravi Pillay, replaces Govender. He has been replaced by Scopa chairperson, Makhosi Khoza, who was seen leaving the ANC caucus meeting immediately after it started.

Both Govender and Johnson will remain members of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature.

The ANC recently announced it was assessing the performance of all its provincial officials including MECs and members of the provincial legislature.

Improving service delivery

Mkhize told reporters the reshuffle was aimed at improving service delivery.

"We have gone through discussions within the ruling party and have analysed the contributions of all deployees in terms of speeding up service delivery."

The reshuffle was a political decision, Mkhize said.

Mkhize also announced that social development head, Bheki Nkosi, had been suspended following internal investigations.

"We communicated with him several weeks ago why the suspension was being considered and he responded. Having considered all the issues involved we have nevertheless decided to implement the decision."

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has welcomed the reshuffle.

"The change of Cabinet comes very handy in the reconfiguration and positioning of government to focus on accelerating transformation to improve the lives of ordinary people," said provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala.

The ANC was convinced the reshuffle would strengthen service delivery and oversight roles.

"We support the step taken by Mkhize. This indicates that we are on a right path."

- SAPA