The much awaited reshuffle saw newly inaugurated MPLs, Fufe Makatong and Desery Finies, being brought into the provincial Executive Council. The two assumed positions as Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) after Social Development MEC, Martha Bartlett, and MEC for the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Bernice Sinxeve, were deployed to Parliament to serve on the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). 

Makatong is to take the reigns as the MEC for Public Works and Finies as the MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture. OFM News previously reported that it was widely speculated that the current Deputy Speaker of the Northern Cape provincial legislature and former Sol Plaatje executive mayor, Mangaliso Matika, may be appointed as the MEC of Sport, Arts and Culture. Saul, has however made changes to his entire cabinet with MEC Bentley Vass and Mac Jack being the only MECs remaining in their previous portfolios.

Saul announced he is hopeful the entire provincial cabinet will serve the province with diligence. He highlighted that they remain committed to the provision of service delivery and ensuring that the people’s needs and interests are met.

Saul announced that the changes to the Provincial Executive Council will come into effect immediately as follows:

MEC for health – Mr Lebogang Maruping

Public Works – Ms Fufe Makatong

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Environmental Affairs, and Nature conservation – Ms Mase Manopole

Sports, Arts and Culture – Ms Desery Finies

Transport, Safety and Liaison – Ms Nomanda Bloem

Social Development - Ms Nontobeko Eveline Vilakazi

Finance, Economic Development and Tourism – Abraham Vosloo

Education – Mac Jack

Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs – Bentley Vass

OFM News