THREE Limpopo MECs have been dropped following the provincial Cabinet reshuffle by Premier Stanley Mathabatha.
The three MECs, Polly Boshielo for Transport and Community Safety, Dickson Masemola for Social Development, and Thandi Moraka for Sports, Arts, and Culture, belonged to a powerful faction that contested Mathabatha during the recent ANC provincial conference.
The MECs also failed to make the cut in the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) during the elective conference.
ANC Limpopo Deputy Chair Florence Radzilani, a close ally of Mathabatha, has been appointed MEC for Transport and Community Safety, replacing Boshielo.
Radzilani, who is the former executive mayor of the Vhembe municipality, was implicated in the VBS Mutual Bank scandal.
She allegedly received R300 000 but has since denied the allegations.
The provincial cabinet reshuffle also saw Thabo Mokone appointed the new provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Mokone replaces Nandi Ndalane who was redeployed to the Social Development Department portfolio.
MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba has retained her position, including MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu.
Katlego Phala, DA Caucus Whip in the Limpopo Legislature, said it was clear that the latest reshuffle is not in the interest of a province in real distress, but rather for Mathabatha and his faction to gird for the upcoming ANC national conference.
Mathabatha has declared that Limpopo province is in support of President Cyril Ramaphosa getting a second term.
Mathabatha has also been endorsed to become the governing party’s national chairperson.
“Premier Mathabatha lost a real opportunity to make more extensive changes to provide credible leaders for a government of an ailing province,” said Phala.
“Instead, the Premier opted for stomach politics which casts doubt over his frequent and well-rehearsed commitments to fight corruption. We will closely monitor the performance of Premier Mathabatha’s newly appointed cadres and will hold them to account.”
The swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed MECs is expected to be held on Friday at the office of the premier in Polokwane.
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