Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) – Cathy Dlamini, an unsuccessful contestant for the position of Mpumalanga premier, has made it as a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) in the province.
Newly elected Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, on Tuesday, named Dlamini as the MEC for Education.
The Mpumalanga premier said Dlamini had a “passion” for education and her leadership would bring a “remarkable improvement” in the education portfolio.
The full list of new MECs appointed by Premier Ndlovu includes:
- Sasekani Janet Manzini (MEC Health)
- Landulile Chathrine Dlamini (MEC Education)
- Thulasizwe Simon Thomo (MEC Public Works, Roads and Transport).
- Brenda Khethiwe Moeketsi (MEC Social Development).
- Nompumelelo Evidence Hlophe (MEC Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs).
- Bonakele Amos Majuba (MEC Provincial Treasury).
- Makhosazane Christine Masilela (MEC Economic Development and Tourism).
- Fana Vincent Mlombo (MEC Culture, Sports and Recreation).
- Khensani Jackie Macie (MEC Community Safety, Security and Liaison).
- Speedy Katishi Mashilo (Human Settlements, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs).
Judge President of the Mpumalanga High Court Sekgopotje Mphahlele presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the premier and his MEC.
Premier Ndlovu, also provincial chairperson of the African National Congress, said he had confidence in his MECs – half are women.
The portfolio of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, previously led by suspended provincial ANC treasurer Mandla Msibi, has been merged with the human settlements portfolio – previously headed by Speedy Mashilo.
This means that Mashilo, the provincial ANC deputy chairperson, retained his position and is now the MEC for human settlements, cooperative governance, and traditional affairs.
Health MEC Sasekani Manzini, the provincial ANC spokesperson, retained her previous position.
“For the first 100 days in office, I will visit all municipalities in order to get a better understanding of their challenges and assist them without interfering,” the new premier said.
“However, I will not hesitate to intervene within the prescripts of the law should it become clear our people are not getting the services they deserve.”
