MBOMBELA – Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu officially announced yesterday the reshuffling of Members of the Executive Council (MECs) in the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.
The decision to reshuffle the MECs, Ndlovu said, was taken “in the best interest of good governance, efficient service delivery and public trust”.
“We have made several assessments in all our departments and realised that we need to make certain changes aimed at strengthening the work of government to address service delivery and a number of challenges confronting the province,” Ndlovu said.
Among the most notable changes is in the Department of Education, where MEC Cathy Dlamini was replaced by Lindi Masina, the former Speaker of the Legislature.
In the media briefing on 15 July, Premier Ndlovu outlined Masina’s key performance areas, including improving academic outcomes, enhancing learner performance in Maths and Science, and introducing technology in schools.
“The department must work towards a target of a 90% pass rate for the Matric class of 2025. We must also holistically implement the eLearning strategy by providing technological aids such as tablets, starting from Grade 10 in the 2026 academic year,” he said.“Working together with teachers, SMTs, SGBs, parents and communities, we must ensure that education is everybody’s business.”
Former Ehlanzeni District Mayor Jesta Sidell has been appointed as the new MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, replacing Makhosazane Masilela, who has been excluded from the new executive.
New appointments also include Khethiwe Moeketsi as MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, and Nompumelelo Hlophe as MEC for Social Development. Both are expected to bring fresh leadership to departments critical for supporting rural communities and vulnerable groups. Moeketsi is expected to operationalise the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market by the end of the month.
“We believe that these changes will help us towards the achievement of the apex priorities of inclusive growth and job creation, reduction of poverty, and tackling the high cost of living,” said the Premier.
The Premier also extended appreciation to the outgoing MECs, saying: “I wish to extend my appreciation to all outgoing MECs for their services rendered to the people of Mpumalanga.”
In a significant accountability move, Premier Ndlovu confirmed the termination of the contract of the Head of Department for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Godfrey Ntombela, with immediate effect.
Ndlovu revealed that Ntombela had allegedly extended his contract fraudulently, using the former Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane’s electronic signature without her knowledge. The former Premier has denied signing any extension beyond September 2024.
“This has not been an easy decision. It comes after a thorough process of engagement, assessments, and consideration of all the facts at hand,” he said.“There is an alleged payment of R80 000 that was exchanged for the misuse of the former Premier’s electronic signature. This matter is viewed in a very serious light.”
He confirmed that the case has been handed over to the Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi.
The newly appointed MECs have been sworn in and are expected to begin their duties with immediate effect.
