Mpumalanga Provincial Speaker Makhosazane Masilela.
Makhosazane Masilela has been elected as the new Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature (MPL).
Her unopposed election on Thursday, July 17, comes just two days after Premier Mandla Ndlovu removed her from her position as MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in a significant Cabinet reshuffle.
Masilela’s return to the Speaker’s chair marks a notable development in Mpumalanga’s political landscape, particularly given her previous tenure in the role from 2021 to 2024. This prior experience is expected to bring immediate stability and continuity to the legislative arm of the province, leveraging her deep familiarity and expertise with parliamentary processes.
The vacancy for the Speaker’s position was vacant following Lindi Masina’s appointment as the new MEC for Education. Masina’s move is part of Premier Ndlovu’s broader shake-up, which also saw the removal of Cathy Dlamini from the Education portfolio amidst a controversial R2 million laptop procurement scandal. Jester Sidell has been appointed as the new MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, replacing Masilela.
While Premier Ndlovu did not give clear details the reasons for Masilela’s removal from the MEC position, he emphasised that the Cabinet changes were crucial for “proper governance and to strengthen the response to service delivery challenges.” This statement, coupled with the immediate redeployment of Masilela to the Speaker’s role, suggests a continued trust in her capabilities within the provincial leadership, although in a different capacity.
Masilela’s seasoned hand at the helm of the MPL is anticipated to ensure a smooth legislative process as the provincial government navigates its refreshed executive.
She further acknowledged the work of the former Speaker, Lindi Masina, and committed to continuing the momentum of building a Legislature that is truly activist, transparent, and rooted in the needs of the people.
“We are here to respond to the historic and social injustices of our past while building a better life for all. I will hit the ground running and ensure that our constitutional mandate of law-making, oversight, and public participation is fully realised.”
The Speaker emphasised her intention to work in a collaborative spirit with all political parties represented in the Legislature. She underlined that even in disagreement, there must be unity of purpose to deliver on the work of the Legislature. “We are one people, one nation. It is only through mutual respect and a shared commitment to our constitutional duties that we can truly serve our communities,” she added.
