Ntombela's spokesperson, Sello Pietersen, tells OFM News that MEC Sam Mashinini is still on sick leave and he is recuperating well. He says Mashinini is still the MEC and once he is 100% well, he will hit the ground running to carry out his duties as the MEC. 

Currently, the MEC for Social Development, Mamiki Qabathe, is acting in Mashinini's portfolio. EFF provincial chairperson, Mandisa Makesini, previously told OFM News that Ntombela should answer to questions whether Mashinini is still the MEC or has he been suspended.

Makesini alleges that currently, Mashinini and Qabathe are both on the payroll of these departments.

In October 2020, the DA requested Ntombela to remove Mashinini from his duties as the MEC following a damning Public Protector report.

Busisiwe Mkhwebane - in her investigation on a complaint lodged by the DA in 2016 regarding the manner in which former Premier Ace Magashule and Mashinini replied to questions about the funeral costs of the former MEC and the appointment of Letlaka Communications in the Premier's Office - found Mashinini guilty of misleading the Provincial Legislature.

OFM News