Cathy Dlamini and Makhosazane Masilela
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu today, Tuesday, July 15, undertook a significant cabinet reshuffle, dismissing two MECs and a departmental HOD, citing the need to strengthen governance and address service delivery challenges. The changes come less than two months after Ndlovu assumed office.
The axed MECs are Cathy Dlamini, formerly in charge of Education, and Makhosazane Masilela, who headed Economic Development and Tourism. In addition, Godfrey Ntombela’s contract as head of the Department for Culture, Sports and Recreation was terminated with immediate effect.
In their place, Ndlovu has appointed Jesta Sidell, the former Ehlanzeni executive mayor, as the new MEC for Economic Development and Tourism. Lindi Masina, previously the Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, will now serve as the MEC for Education. Both are expected to commence their duties immediately after being sworn in by Deputy Judge President Takalani Vincent Ratshibvumo.
Premier Ndlovu explained the rationale behind the reshuffle, stating, “The removal of Dlamini and Masilela comes after the provincial government had made several assessments across the departments and realised we needed to make certain changes. This is aimed at strengthening the work of government to address service delivery as well as a number of other challenges that impede us from reaching the targets set for this administration.”
He reiterated a promise made upon taking office: “When I took over the office I had made a promise to the people of Mpumalanga that I wanted to lead a government that would deliver to the people of this province and he is determined to do that.”
Regarding the termination of Godfrey Ntombela’s contract, Premier Ndlovu revealed a more serious underlying issue. “It has also come to my attention that fraud has been committed, whereby former premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane’s electronic signature was used for the extension of Ntombela’s contract. There is also an alleged payment of R80 000, exchanged for the misuse of the former premier’s electronic signature. This matter is viewed in a very serious light.” As a result, Ndlovu has consulted with the acting provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, to initiate an investigation into the matter.
