Mangaliso Matika and Limakatso Koloi were sworn in by the Northern Cape High Court on Tuesday (21/1) by Northern Cape Judge President Pule Tlaletsi.

They were picked to improve the government’s ability to fulfil its mission and accelerate the advancement of the province’s strategic initiatives, said Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul.

“Both appointments reflect my administration’s dedication to responsive and results-driven governance,” added Saul. “I’m confident that their leadership will significantly enhance our collective ability to deliver on the priorities that matter most to our citizens.

“I wish them both success in their new roles and look forward to the positive impact they will make as we continue our work to build a brighter future for the Northern Cape.”

Mangaliso Matika will lead the department of sports, arts, and culture where he’ll ensure the Northern Cape’s cultural heritage is preserved, while promoting the “diverse artistic and linguistic richness” of the province.

Matika previously held the position of deputy secretary of the provincial legislature and also served as the chairperson of Ethics and Conduct, the standing committee on Internal Arrangements, and chair of the Programming Committee.

Political parties in the province expressed their views on the premier’s appointment of the two new MECs.

“The Freedom Front Plus is always a little bit weary when a cabinet or provincial executive committee is large and when there is pressure to have smaller executive committees,” said Northern Cape FF Plus leader Dr Wynand Boshoff.

“In the case of the Northern Cape, the premier appointed Mangaliso Matika, who presided as mayor over Sol Plaatje Municipality during one of the most devastating protest actions in (its) history.”

Maybe the reason for this is more dictated by the need to accommodate ambitious politicians than by real managerial needs, he said.

Limakatso Koloi, who formerly served as chairperson of the portfolio on health and social development, will lead the department of transport, safety, and liaison. She will be tasked with “securing the environment and advancing mobility for the people of the Northern Cape.

The rationale for expanding the executive council is straightforward and compelling to enhance the capacity of this government to meet its mandate and accelerate progress on our strategic priorities, said Saul.

“The DA in the Northern Cape congratulates the two new MECs. It’s been my concern since the inception of the seventh administration when the premier merged portfolios and allocated a single MEC to deal with the two departments,” said Northern Cape DA Leader Harold McGluwa.

“The province faces many serious issues, and it requires the government’s urgent attention, and it is therefore that we welcome the move to appoint additional MECs.”

However, the premier should have used this opportunity to rather appoint a cabinet based on a government of provincial unity because it is critical that we all work together to improve the lives of the people of the Northern Cape, he said.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg