The newly appointed MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, says her main focus is on developing and growing the tourism industry, so as to grow the economy of the Province. Masilela said this during a brief meet and greet meeting with the executive management team of the Department, following her appointment to the portfolio by the Premier of Mpumalanga June 18.
“After taking oath of office, Premier Mandla Ndlovu gave me the marching orders to focus on tourism development and growth. The Premier wants us to create our own ‘Table Mountain’ at Mariepskop with its own cable car; he wants us to create our own waves; he wants tourists to experience everything they go for in Cape Town and Durban all in one in our Province” said Masilela.
MEC Masilela, who is the former Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, also urged the executive management team to be open and free to critique her suggestions.
“I like constructive criticism if you have an idea which would improve our economy, you must be free to express it. I am a person who listens a lot, and I am very open to suggestions,”
The MEC was ushered in and welcomed by the acting Head of Department, Mr. Chain Chunda, who committed to support the MEC towards fulfilling her mandate. Also present in the meeting were the Chief Executive Officers of the Department’s Public Entities, Mduduzi Vilakazi of Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency and Vusi Mtsweni of Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.
“We must work together as a team; as one family of the dedt with our Public Entities, so that we can become a well-oiled machinery in our quest to grow the economy of our Province”, concluded Ms. Masilela.
The new MEC will now focus solely on the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, following the separation of the Finance portfolio from Economic Development and Tourism.
