Reshuffle on cards for MECs’ spokespersons

Sizwe Kupelo to hit ground running at OTP in a few days

ARESHUFFLE of Eastern Cape provincial MECs’ spokespersons is on the cards following the cabinet shakeup two months ago.

The changes include Lwandile Sicwetsha, who has already crossed the floor from human settlements to health to stay with his MEC, Helen SaulsAugust.

Former health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo is set to make a return to the office of the premier (OTP), where he did a brief stint two years ago.

Another change will see Mvusi Sicwetsha moving from rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) to provincial treasury, where he is set to become the spokesman for MEC Oscar Mabuyane.

Experienced communicator and OTP spokesman Mxolisi Spondo is to join human settlements to replace Lwandile.

A new addition is that of SABC reporter Unathi Bhinqose, who has joined the department of safety and liaison.

Mvusi yesterday confirmed that he had indeed been approached to become Mabuyane’s spokesman.

“There has been an offer from provincial treasury for me to be seconded as the MEC’s spokesman and we are still discussing that – nothing has been finalised,” said Mvusi.

“In the meantime, I am on leave until mid-July when I go back to DRDAR to continue my work there.”

The Daily Dispatch has it on good authority that Mvusi will assume his duties at treasury in August.

Kupelo is set to hit the ground running at the OTP as of next month.

Contacted for comment, Kupelo referred the Dispatch to health spokesman Lwandile, who said: “I have not heard anything officially.

“Maybe all will be revealed once the matter is finalised, but for now, Mr Kupelo remains with us at health.”

About him joining health, Lwandile said it was a homecoming for him having previously worked at health in different capacities, volunteer in 2004.

Lwandile left human settlements after a decade of service at different levels.

Kupelo leaves health after more than 15 years of service for six MECs in a department that is forever in the news, often for the wrong reasons.

It is not clear yet what will become of premier Phumulo Masualle’s spokesman Sonwabo Mbananga as Kupelo enters the fray.

Bhinqose is set to start at safety and liaison next month.

He was not available for comment at the time of writing yesterday.

Spondo said he remained an official employee of OTP until further notice. — starting off as a