The newly sworn-in MECs have, however, been issued with a stern warning that they should not be in these positions for their personal interest but rather focus on quality service delivery and the needs of the people. Premier Zamani Saul has made at least six changes to his cabinet and done away with one department. At least one MEC, Bently Vass, retained his department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs. Mack Jack will be taking over the Education Department. The newly appointed MEC's include Mase Manopole for Health, and Maruping Lekwene for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism. Saul says with the worrying unemployment rate at around 26% in the province, efforts would be targeted towards creating more jobs.

In a statement, Saul said he has made the decision that there will be no MECs that will be buying new cars and no money will be spent on security upgrades. “The money should be directed to the premier’s bursary fund as well as to the Department of Health to buy new ambulances,” said Saul. "This is in line with my vision and seriousness to build a modern, growing and successful province and therefore I will not compromise on the calibre of people."

Saul says in appointing the MECs he was mindful of the serious reminder by President Cyril Ramaphosa's that “South Africa needs honest leaders of the calibre of the late Mendi Msimang. "As our people have realised, and as our movement has acknowledged, there are those among us who seek positions of authority not to serve the public but to advance private interests. There are those who are prepared to undermine the institutions of our young democracy, to subvert the rule of law and to steal from the people to enrich themselves," he added.

"Given these considerations, the following members have been nominated to serve the people of the Northern Cape in the following portfolios and responsibilities:

Sport, Arts and Culture – Ms Berenice Sinexve

Transport and Safety Liaison – Ms Nontobeko Vilakazi

Finance, Economic Development and Tourism – Mr Maruping Lekwene

Health – Ms Mase Manopole

Cooperative Government, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs – Mr Bentley Vass

Education – Mr Macollen Jack

Land Reform, Agriculture and Nature Conservation and Environmental Affairs – Ms Nomandla Bloem

Roads and Public Works – Mr Abrahams Vosloo

Social Development – Ms Barbara Bartlett

OFM News