MAQUEEN Letshoha-Mathae, the newly elected premier of the Free State, has announced her cabinet.
The executive includes three MECs who served under the previous administration led by Mxolisi Dukwana, who has been left out in the cold.
Dibolelo Mahlatsi continues with the Public Works and Infrastructure portfolio, Mathabo Leeto moves from Health to Social Development, while Ketso Makume now heads the new Finance, Tourism and Economic Development department.
Ntombizanele Sifuba, who had been retained as speaker of the provincial legislature, is among the new faces in the cabinet as she comes in as the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Letsoha-Mathae’s appointments include Jabu Mbalula who takes charge at the Community Safety, Roads and Transport department, while the Health portfolio has been given to Monyatso Mahlatsi.
Elizabeth Rockman, the former MEC for finance under Ace Magashule’s premiership, has bounced back to lead Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs.
Julia Maboya at Education and Teboho Mokoena at Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements complete the new-look executive.
Letsoha-Mathae said she was confident her cabinet was going to drive progress and improve the quality of life for every single citizen in the Free State, a province beset by widespread service delivery failures, political infighting, unemployment and poverty.
“Perhaps, I must begin by reiterating what we said on my inauguration that this administration shall be about fighting corruption, building an ethical state and providing quality services to our people,” the premier said as she announced her executive on Thursday.
“We make no apologies for that our government will deal decisively with individuals who will stand in the way of effective and efficient service delivery.”
Letsoha-Mathae said the team she picked reflected her administration’s commitment to addressing the provincial government’s key priorities.
“Each member brings a wealth of experience, commitment and a shared vision for the prosperity of our province,” she said.
“I have every confidence in the abilities of these men and women to lead us into the future.
“Together, we will strive to build a better, stronger and more inclusive future.” – Staff Reporter