By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane announced his cabinet in Bhisho on Friday morning, appealing to his new team to double their efforts to serve the people.
This announcement comes after Mabuyane last week took oath of office as the Premier of the province at the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature.
The ANC has managed to maintain support in the Eastern Cape, with 62% of the vote in the recent general election.
The appointment of the MECs is a critical step in establishing the leadership team of the 7th term of administration provincial government which will oversee the implementation of strategic programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the Eastern Cape people.
Ntandokazi Capa has been appointed as the new Health MEC, replacing Nomakhosazana Meth who has moved to Parliament.
Sibulele Ngongo is the new MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture and Recreation, taking over from Nonceba Kontsiwe, who has been reshuffled to the Department of Rural Development and Agriculture Reform.
Mabuyane has reconfigured the Department of Finance, Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
The new MEC for Finance is Mlungisi Mvoko, while Nonkqubela Pieters will be the MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Mabuyane has also merged the Human Settlement Department with the Public Works and Infrastructure Department.
Former Human Settlement MEC Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi will be leading this merged department.
Mabuyane expressed his hope that the new executive members will spend more time in communities, addressing the challenges faced by the people.
“In making the appointments of MECs to this seventh administration, I was guided by principles of competency, continuity, and commitment.
“I believe the men and women I am appointing to this EXCO are equal to the responsibilities of leadership I am assigning to them.
“I have worked with most of them in the sixth administration without any issues.
“They are hard workers. I expect them to spend 90% of their time in our communities, addressing the challenges of our people and stakeholders in the wards.