Mpumalanga premier shuffles cabinet
2013-02-18 19:55
Johannesburg - Premier of Mpumalanga David Mabuza reshuffled his cabinet on Monday.
Mabuza's spokesperson Zibonele Mncwango said the reshuffle was conducted to "strengthen capacity where it [was] needed".
This was the second reshuffle in four years.
Three members of the provincial legislature were recalled and replacements for them have been appointed.
Provincial Health MEC Clifford Mkasi was removed from his position along with Human Settlements MEC Siphosezwe Masango.
Masango took over the human settlements portfolio in the first shuffle in 2010.
Economic development, environment and tourism MEC, Norman Mokoena was recalled after he had taken over the position following the 2010 reshuffle.
Mabuza thanked the axed MECs for their contributions.
"We trust that these leaders will continue to serve the people of South Africa with passion and leave a lasting legacy for themselves," said Mabuza.
Mncwango said the premier had always been vocal about the performance of the three departments that were headed by the outgoing MECs.
"The poor performance was at the expense of the communities out there," said Mncwango.
"In his [Mabuza's] own words, he said the lack of service delivery delayed the people's freedom," said Mncwango.
He said the premier had previously facilitated interventions in the health and human settlements departments.
"With human settlements, the performance was poor and he transferred senior managers to other departments.
He also did not renew the employment contract of the head of the department, but he appointed an acting head of department," he said.
"With health, he undertook finding missions and visited two hospitals in the province. He analysed the situation and challenges and decided to appoint new CEOs for the government district hospitals late last year," said Mncwango.
He could not immediately provide details of the problems that occurred in the economic development department.
Meanwhile, MPL Violet Siwela took over as the MEC for agriculture, rural development and land administration.
Simon Sikhosana, who also served as an MPL, took over as the MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs.
Pinky Phosa, who is the wife of former Mpumalanga premier Mathews Phosa, takes over as MEC of economic development after being moved from the finance department.
Madala Masuku was now filling Phosa's position after he was moved from co-operative governance.
Candith Mashego-Dlamini, who previously served as MEC for agriculture, took over in the health and social development department.
Andries Gamede who was an MPL now heads the department of human settlements.
The new MECs would be sworn in at a ceremony in Secunda on Monday evening.
- SAPA
