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Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has made several changes to his executive council. Education MEC Cathy Dlamini and Department of Economic Development and Tourism MEC Makhosazane Masilela have been sacked.
Ndlovu says the changes were necessary to ensure proper governance of the province. A few months ago, the Education Department was embroiled in a R2 million laptop procurement saga.
Briefing the media in Mbombela, Ndlovu called on the newly appointed MECs to carry out their duties with diligence.
Ndlovu says extensive consultation was done before this decision.
“I therefore wish to announce the following changes in the executive council number 1. Lindi Masina has been appointed as the new MEC for Education. Ms Jester Sidell is the new MEC for Economic Development and Tourism. Ms Khethiwe Moeketsi is the new MEC for Agriculture Rural Development and Environmental Affairs. Ms Nompumelelo Hlophe is the new MEC for Social Development,” says Ndlovu.
Ndlovu has also terminated the contract of the Head of Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, Godfrey Ntombela. Ntombela was earlier suspended on allegations of irregular procurement and maladministration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The contract of the HOD for Culture, Sport and Recreation Godfrey Ntombela has been terminated with immediate effect. This has not been an easy decision, it comes after a thorough process, engagement, assessment and consideration of all the facts at hand. Ntombela’s employment contract was extended by my predecessor Refiloe Mtshweni- Tsipane from the 1st of March 2024 to 28 September 2024. It has also come to my attention that fraudulent activities were committed where the former premier’s electronic signature was used in the purported extension,” Ndlovu added.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters in the province have welcomed the changes made by the Premier.
Video: Mpumalanga executive reshuffled, new members sworn in
