By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KZN Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka.
Cabinet has approved the appointment of KwaZulu-Natal Cogta MEC Siphosihle Hlomuka as the national Cogta department’s deputy director-general of local government support and interventions management.
Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele confirmed his appointment when he briefed the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held this week.
As MEC of Cogta in KwaZulu-Natal, Hlomuka has been at the forefront of the relief efforts following the disastrous floods that ravaged the province a month ago.
Hlomuka, who is currently the ANC provincial deputy secretary, could not be immediately reached for comment.
Among the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Gungubele said the R1 billion made available by the government was being used to support relief and recovery efforts, restore basic services and provide humanitarian assistance in the form of food, water, shelter, sanitation and clothing in KwaZulu-Natal.
Gungubele, has commended the unity shown by South Africans from all walks of life in reaching out to communities ravaged by the recent floods.
The Minister said Cabinet, which met on Wednesday, has expressed condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in the devastating floods that hit several parts of the country, particularly KwaZulu-Natal.
The Minister noted that the process to rebuild affected areas is underway, “as the people of the country unite in their determination to assist those who have lost their homes and possessions”.
The declaration of a National State of Disaster and socio-economic relief interventions recently announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa sought to ensure an effective and coordinated response across all spheres of government, through the National Disaster Management Centre.