Three MECs booted out of Limpopo Cabinet
Limpopo premier Stanley Mathabatha yesterday reshuffled his MECs, axing three from the Cabinet.
The reshuffle follows a “further assessment of the performance of the executive council with a view to improving service delivery and enhancing corporate governance”, according to the premier’s office.
ANC Limpopo deputy chair Florence Radzilani has returned to the provincial government after being appointed as MEC for transport and community safety.
She replaces Polly Boshielo, who is the former MEC for education.
Radzilani, who was the former executive mayor of the Vhembe municipality, was previously implicated in the alleged looting of billions from VBS Mutual Bank.
She was welcomed back into the ANC’s provincial executive committee in 2020, as she was not criminally charged after having initially stepped aside.
The provincial Cabinet reshuffle also saw Thabo Mokone being given a new portfolio.
He will now oversee the provincial department of agriculture and rural development.
Mokone replaces Nandi Ndalane, who was shifted to the social development department.
In addition, Rodgers Monama is Mokone’s replacement and has been appointed as the new MEC for economic development, environment and tourism.
Ndalane takes over from Dickson Masemola, who went head-to-head with Mathabatha to be ANC provincial chair.
Meanwhile, MEC for health Dr Phophi Ramathuba has retained her position alongside MEC for cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs Basikopo Makamu.
Makamu and Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana, who was the former mayor of Lepelle-Nkumpi municipality, were elected as deputy provincial secretary and provincial treasurer during the Limpopo ANC’s elective conference in June.
Other MECs who have not been reshuffled include:
Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya; public works MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale; and Treasury MEC Seaparo Sekwati.
The swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed MECs will take place today at the office of the premier in the city of Polokwane.