MPUMALANGA – Responding to calls for gender parity within his administration, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu reshuffled his cabinet, replacing Fidel Mlombo, the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation, with former Emalahleni mayor Leah Mabuza.
This move comes as part of the Premier’s obligation to adhere to the governing party’s principle that mandates 60% female representation in the provincial executive council (PEC) when the Premier is male. Prior to the reshuffle, the executive council consisted of six men, including the Premier, and five women.
Announcing the decision on Wednesday, September 04, Premier Ndlovu explained that the appointment of Mabuza, a former Nkangala District and Emalahleni mayor, followed “careful consideration” and was in line with the party’s gender equality directives.
“The new MEC has been chosen not only as a woman but also as an individual who has grown within the organization, assuming various roles and responsibilities. We anticipate her service to the province will be characterized by integrity. We extend our best wishes to the MEC in her new capacity. Given her track record of success, we are confident she will excel in this role,” stated Premier Ndlovu.
Mabuza vacated her position as Emalahleni mayor on July 1 and was sworn in as a new member of the provincial legislature (MPL) on July 2.
Fidel Mlombo, the former provincial secretary of COSATU, was appointed MEC for Culture, Sport, and Recreation in June as part of the 7th administration. His removal, however, prompted concerns within COSATU, which had expressed dissatisfaction with the suddenness of the reshuffle.
Responding to the reshuffle, COSATU’s provincial secretary Thabo Mokoena said, ” While we do not challenge the reasoning behind the reshuffle, we are dismayed by the sudden manner in which the federation was deprived of the MEC position.”
The ANC in the province welcomed the decision. “We equally thank Cde. Fidel Mlombo for the sterling job he has done whilst serving in the executive council,” the party said in a statement. “It should therefore be known that the announced reconfiguration is not informed by the perfomance of Cde. Fidel Mlombo as an MEC, but to comply with the ANC NEC decision, that where the Premier is male, there must be a 60% representation of women in the Executive Council. The ANC will continue to use the skills and expertise of Cde. Fidel Mlombo in the different pillars of social transformation.”
