New look Eastern Cape cabinet unveiled

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle says he's appointed a balanced team to his executive committee, ensuring continuity while adding skills and innovation.

Several news faces have been added to the cabinet, particularly in the portfolios of Health, Economic Development and Transport, while the Transport Ministry has been stripped out of Roads and Public Works.

Masualle spoke to Algoa FM News after the new cabinet was sworn on Friday by judge president Themba Sangoni.

"We had to in assembling the team look at continuity. For instance if you look at education we have been chopping and changing a lot there. It's one of the departments that has the highest turnover of the executive including the heads of departments. We thought that we need to stabilise the department at leadership level and ramp up the ongoing improvements that we see there." says Maualle.

Premier Masualle also explained his decision to entrust the Rural Development portfolio in the hands former Local Government MEC, Mlibo Qoboshiyane.

"We also thought that with respect to rural development we have the opportunity to bring in energy, young people. It's a function that needs a lot of energy integrating activities of other departments to impact on rural development."

Meanwhile, dozens of dignitaries will be arriving in the country for the inauguration of president Jacob Zuma on Saturday.

Heads of State from so-called Bric countries, Brazil, Russia, China and India, will also be attendance at the Union Buildings.

Erstwhile Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane, says the inter-ministerial committee involved in the preparations is pleased with the state of readiness for Saturday's events and that it will be a moment of pride for all South Africans.

"South Africa is honoured that the inauguration of President elect Jacob Zuma will indeed be an international occasion attended by heads of states, governments, vice presidents, deputy heads of states, prime ministers, former heads of states and government witnessing the ceremony. Fourteen eminent persons and 118 foreign ambassadors resident in South Africa will also be present." says Chabane.

List of new Eastern Cape Cabinet:

Premier - Phumulo Masualle

Education - Mandla Makupula

Health - Dr Pumza Dyantyi

Traditional Affairs and Cooperative Governance - Fikile Xasa

Human Settlements - Helen Sauls-Agust

Economic Development - Sakumzi Somyo

Roads and Public Works - Tandiswa Marawu

Transport - Weziwe Tikana

Social Development - Nancy Sihlwayi

Sports Arts and Culture - Pemmy Majodina

Rural Development and Agrarian Reform - Mlibo Qoboshiyane