TUESDAY, 5.30PM
NORTHERN Province Premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi axed several prominent members of his executive committee in a reshuffle announced in Pietersburg on Tuesday.
In a widely expected move following a series of administrative crises surrounding exams, schools and teacher appointments, education MEC Dr Aaron Motsoaledi makes way for former health MEC Dr Joe Phaahla. Phaahla’s former post goes to Dr Hunadi Mateme, who becomes the province’s third female MEC.
Agriculture MEC Dr Tienie Burgers makes way for former Lutheran clergyman Tshenwani Farisani, while Edgar Mushwana changes portfolios from finance to housing. Finance has been given as an additional portfolio to trade and industry MEC Thaba Mufamadi.
Newcomer Norman Mashabane takes over the local government portfolio from John Dombo. Public works MEC Dikeledi Magadzi has been relieved of her post, which goes to the Freedom Front’s Johan Kriek, formerly in charge of transport. Another newcomer, Benny Boshielo, has been given the transport portfolio.
Ramatlhodi said the changes will strengthen government structures “to serve the needs of all the people of the Northern Province to an even greater degree”. He thanked the outgoing MECs for their contributions over the past few years.