DA shuffles shadow Cabinet positions for 2019

The Democratic Alliance yesterday announced nine changes to its shadow Cabinet and senior staff in preparation for the 2019 national elections.

Gavin Davis will be replaced by Ian Ollis as spokesperson – also known as shadow minister – of basic education. This will allow him to work on policy development and communications in the time leading up to the elections.

Ollis’ position as spokesperson for labour will be filled by Michael Bagraim, while Derrick America will be the deputy spokesperson in the portfolio.

Dean Macpherson will move from energy to trade and industry, replacing Geordin Hill-Lewis, who will focus on his work as chief of staff to party leader Mmusi Maimane.

Ghaleb Cachalia becomes the deputy spokesperson for trade and industry.

Senior DA MP Wilmot James, who has been the party’s spokesperson for health, is leaving on a sabbatical to take up a visiting professorship at the University of Columbia Medical Centre in New York.

“We wish to congratulate Dr James on this prestigious appointment, and wish him very well for his time at Columbia. His work on infectious diseases is a credit to South African health sciences and to the Democratic Alliance,” the party said in its statement.

Patricia Kopane will replace James, while Malcolm Figg will replace her as shadow minister of public works. Alan McLoughlin will replace Figg as the spokesperson for appropriations.

Mbulelo Bara will take over from Tarnia Baker as the spokesperson for human settlements. Baker is moving to the portfolio water and sanitation.

Choloane Matsepe replaces Bara as shadow deputy for co-operative governance and traditional affairs. – ANA