‘REMOVE RHODES REMAINS’ A ZIMBABWEAN activist group called “Restoration of Revered African Sites” has called for the removal of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, which it calls “an insult to the intelligence of the Zimbabwean people”.
“It is a well-known fact that the Matopos is the holiest of shrines in the country and, by requesting that he be buried at Matopos, Rhodes was making a point that the African’s god was weaker than his god.” said the group.
NEW PARLIAMENT SECRETARIES SINDISO MFENYANA has been recommended as the first black Secretary to Parliament, while senior under-secretary Kasper Hahndiek has been recommended as secretary of the National Assembly. Lulu Matyola has been put forward as head of the legislative support division.
E CAPE EXECUTIVE RESHUFFLE EASTERN Cape Premier Reverend Arnold Stofile Friday announced a reshuffle of his executive council and changes to several departments.
Former agriculture MEC Ezra Sigwela is the only member of the provincial executive to be dropped. He will be replaced by former local government MEC Max Mamase. Thobile Mhlahlo will head a merged public works and transport department. Education MEC Nosimo Balindlela retains her portfolio, but former youth MEC Sonwabile Mangcotywa will take over her responsibility for sports, arts and culture. Health and welfare MEC Dr Trudy Thomas keeps the first half of her portfolio, but will hand welfare to former transport MEC Mandisa Marasha. Finance and provincial expenditure MEC Professor Shepherd Mayatula takes on economic affairs, tourism and environment as well, from Smuts Ngonyama. Ngonyama becomes MEC for local government and housing. Dennis Neer remains MEC for Safety and Security.
PAUL VERRYN MADE BISHOP ACTIVIST priest Paul Verryn, who lived in Soweto for the past ten years, has been appointed bishop and head of the central district of the Methodist Church in South Africa. Verryn, who has spent years counselling apartheid victims, came to unwelcome prominence during the Winnie Mandela kidnap trial in 1991, in which the judgment vindicated his role.