Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff has demoted another provincial minister, the provincial government communications and information system (PGCIS) said on Wednesday.
PGCIS head Mary Kodisang said local government and housing minister Bennie Kotsoane will return to the provincial legislature as an ordinary member.
There he will join former agriculture minister Ace Magashule and former tourism, environmental and economic affairs minister Bennie Malakoane, sacked two weeks ago.
In their stead, Marshoff has appointed Caska Mokitlana to the agriculture portfolio and Susan Mnumzana to arts and culture.
She also reshuffled two portfolios, handing Tate Makgoe the provincial treasury and Playfair Morule the safety and liaison portfolio.
Each had previously held the other’s post.
Makgoe will also temporarily act as provincial economics minister.
A yet-to-be-announced MP has been identified for the job, but must first be sworn in as a Free State MPL before he or she can be identified, Kodisang said.
The African Christian Democratic Party in the province noted that of 10 provincial ministers, only four now remain in their original portfolios.
”Any organisation shifting 60% of its top management can expect to experience some consequences. In this case, it might be negative before stabilising, and only then will one be sure whether the premier made the right decisions,” ACDP Free State’s Casper Nordier said in a statement.
”The process had also not been completed, as the [minister] for environmental affairs, tourism and economic development still needs to be appointed.
”With the high unemployment rate in the province, this is not a portfolio one would like to see being neglected. We note, however, that Ms Charlotte Loby, who was mentioned in this regard, is according to rumours on her way to national Parliament. That means someone from national level may be redeployed to take up this responsibility,” Nordier added.
”We welcome the appointment of Mr Tate Makgoe at finances, a position in which he has prior experience.
”Mr Playfair Marule’s friendliness may make him effective in the portfolio of safety, security and liaison.
”We trust that Mr Joel Mafereka with his outgoing personality will be able to steer local government and housing out of the woods … good management skills are needed to get the Free State’s municipalities on track again. This is precisely why we were not surprised by Mr Benny Kotsoane’s dismissal.
”The appointment of Mr Casca Mokitlane as [provincial minister] for agriculture is significant. He is now the deputy leader of the African National Congress in the province, and it would be most interesting to see how this appointment will manifest itself in the ANC. We trust that he will proceed with the good aspects of Mr Magashule’s work.
”We believe that especially cultural affairs will do well under the leadership of Ms Susan Mnumzana.
”One must take note that the process had not yet been completed. Apart from the vacant [ministerial] position, two chairpersonships are left vacant, that of chair of chairs and of the whips,” said Nordier. — Sapa