Mmoloki Saviour Cwaile was appointed in the position on Saturday by Premier Job Mokgoro. His appointment comes four months after the passing of former MEC, Gordon Kegakilwe, who succumbed to Covid-19 in July. Cwaile previously served as the Chair of Chairs in the North West Provincial Legislature and the Chair of Standing Committee for Legislative Review and Implementations of the House Resolutions. Mokgoro’s spokesperson, Vuyisile Ngesi, confirms Cwaile has been appointed with immediate effect and was sworn in by the North West High Court Judge President, Monica Leeuw, at the Garona Building in Mmabatho.

Cwaile’s appointment into the position comes just weeks after a delegate from the National Council of Provinces in Parliament embarked on a week-long visit to the province where issues faced by municipalities were brought to the forefront.

The council bemoaned how the majority of municipalities in the province are still financially distressed and unable to deliver adequate services to residents, despite more than 50% of them being placed under administration.

They highlighted that this is exacerbated by the R314 million loss they incurred when they invested with the now liquidated VBS Mutual Bank.

Ngesi, in a statement, highlights how Mokgoro has during the swearing-in ceremony highlighted the huge service delivery challenges experienced by the local government and urged Cwaile to confront them immediately.

“Residents across the 22 municipalities of our province are hungry for effective delivery of services, free from acts of corruption and maladministration. I have confidence in Mr Cwaile’s ability to serve the people of this province, and I also believe that he will execute this task honourably and diligently”, said Mokgoro.

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