Premier Mxolisi Dukwana has warned his new provincial cabinet to be courageous and decisive in tackling the challenges bedevilling the Free State, including corruption and poor service delivery.
He announced changes to the Provincial Executive Council on Tuesday.
The reshuffle, which came barely a fortnight after Dukwana replaced Sisi Ntombela as the Free State premier, saw three MECs who served under his predecessor’s administration getting the sack.
Dukwana booted out William Bulwane (police, roads and transport), Montseng Tsiu (health) and Mamiki Qabathe (social development).
Four MECs from the previous executive survived the axe, including Gadija Brown who has retained her finance portfolio.
Makalo Mohale has been moved from Economic Affairs, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs to Education, replacing the late Tate Makgoe who died in a car accident last weekend.
Among the new appointees is Ketso Makume who has been named the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements.
Dukwana said he expected courage and decisive action from his provincial cabinet.
“During the State of the Province Address, I indicated that we are under tremendous pressure from the people of our province due to a plethora of challenges that beset our province,” the premier said.
“I have further indicated that the period ahead will be characterised by courage and decisive action to set the province on a new path of development.”
Delivering his first State of the Province Address two weeks ago, Dukwana vowed to turn the Free State around within 14 months by tackling corruption, maladministration and poor service delivery across the province.
The new Provincial Executive Council of the Free State is as follows:
- Mxolisi Dukwana – Premier
- Gadija Brown – Finance
- Nokwanje Selina Leeto – Health
- Makalo Mohale – Education
- Thabo Piet Meeko – Economic Affairs, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
- Moses Ketso Makume – Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlement
- Kathleen Dibolelo Mahlatsi – Public Works and Infrastructure
- Maqueen Joyce Letsoha Mathae – Community Safety, Roads and Transport
- Motshidisi Koloi – Social Development
- Limakatso Mahasa – Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation
Dukwana is yet to name the new MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development. – Staff Reporter