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Eastern Cape premier, Oscar Mabuyane, has kept his provincial cabinet largely unchanged as Bhisho prepares for the 7th administration.
Mabuyane announced the appointment of the Executive Council in Bhisho on Friday, noting that since the ANC in the province had won a landslide victory, there was no need to negotiate with anyone as was happening at national level.
He said the re-appointment of several MEC's from the 6th administration had been guided by "the principles of competency, continuity, and commitment."
"I have worked with many of them in the previous administration and can attest to their hard work and dedication," the Premier emphasized.
There are only two new faces in the provincial cabinet, with women constituting 60%, while some MEC's were reshuffled to different portfolios.
Former Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth, has been replaced by Ntandokazi Capa, who was recently elected as chair for the provincial ANC Women's League, while Sibulele Ngongo has taken over as the MEC for Sports, Recreation Arts and Culture.
In a move described as a "significant restructuring" of the provincial government, Premier Mabuyane announced the separation of the Department of Finance from the Department of Economic Development,
Environmental Affairs, and Tourism (DEDEAT).
Additionally, he announced the merging of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure with the Department of Human Settlements, which he said would facilitate the seamless planning and execution of infrastructure projects in communities.
"The men and women I am appointing are capable and experienced leaders. I have worked with many of them in the previous administration and can attest to their hard work and dedication.
"I expect these MEC's to spend 90% of their time in our communities, addressing the challenges of our people and
stakeholders in the wards. I will support them in performing their duties for the benefit of the Eastern Cape," Mabuyane said.
Parties reaction
Commenting on the cabinet announcement, the leader of the official opposition in the Legislature, Dr Vicky Knoetze, of the Democratic Alliance, said the new cabinet has it work cut out for them in addressing systemic challenges in their respective portfolios.
She welcomed Mabuyane’s commitment to focussing on economic growth, by splitting the Department of Finance from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism.
"The DA, as the official opposition, will monitor each portfolio closely to ensure good governance and accountability. I will be announcing our shadow cabinet early next week, which will be tasked with monitoring their respective portfolios and ensuring that their counterparts are held to account.
"We will continue to advocate for policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and improved living conditions for all," Knoetze said.
Meanwhile, EFF MPL, Simthembile Madikizela, said the decision to have minimum changes to the cabinet was a political move that would cost the people of the Eastern Cape.
"For the purpose of service delivery, the appointments are misled. It's a missed opportunity."
He said the leadership of the ANC failed to effect the necessary changes and "succumbed to the political pressure to nurse the feelings of the league and their alliance partners."
Madikizela however expressed concern for the rising problems in the Health Department, saying the elected MEC Capa does not have any authority to command the department.
"This is complete madness and chaos, it's the worst appointment. We have been consistent in complaining about the former MEC of Health, who was taken from a mayorship of OR Tambo to the Health Department. She failed dismally," he said.
He also questioned the appointment of MEC Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi as the head of the merged departments.
"They go and reward someone who failed to spend R60 million rand from Social Development to purchase food parcels for indigent people."
He said he can only imagine how Human Settlements and Public Works would function under the leadership of a person who had no capacity to spend money that had a very clear function.
Despite the doom outlook by the provincial EFF, Premier Mabuyane expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating that Eastern Cape is poised for a transformative period of growth and development.
"I appeal to the people of our province and our stakeholders to support this team of MECs in their mission to serve our various sectors.
