Eastern Cape Provincial Government and Cabinet composition

Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen

Today, the remains of Mam’ Bertha Gxowa are being laid to rest in her final resting place. It is opportune for us to join the multitudes that are bidding farewell to this gallant heroine of the people’s struggle for a peaceful, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa. May her soul rest in peace!

In the recent past, there has been much speculation about an imminent cabinet reshuffle. I indicated that when the matter was on the table, I would accordingly invite you members of the media to inform through you the people of the Province and the public at large.

In the beginning of this term of government (4th), as part of my inaugural address, we tabled the Provincial Strategic Framework which highlighted the eight over-arching priorities for this government.

These were drawn from the National Priorities as enunciated by the State President, President J G Zuma.

In order to realise these priorities, central government has further introduced institutional measures for improved coordination, planning, performance monitoring and evaluation. These are all aimed at improving government effectiveness and efficiency.

Over the last eighteen months, we have been seized with the task of improving the quality of services rendered to our communities particularly focusing on our priorities. In doing so, proper attention had to be given to the much needed synergies and alignment with the National efforts. In this regard, the posture of some of our ministries has had to be revisited. This should be done with speed as to enhance service delivery.

In this period, we have also had the opportunity to identify gaps within the service delivery chain which require prompt intervention. In light of this, a decisive intervention is necessary to strengthen our leadership of the administrative corps. This task cannot be postponed any longer. In addition to the context and background outlined above, I am also in receipt of resignations from two members of the Executive Council.

This has added to the need to relook the composition of the Executive Council and balance it with the need to strengthen administration.

The following new Ministries will be established:

• The Ministry of Public Works, Roads and Transport
• The Ministry of Human Settlements, Safety and Liaison
• The Ministry of Provincial Planning and Finance
• The Ministry of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism
• The Ministry of Social Development, Women, Youth and People with Disabilities.

The other ministries remain largely with the same responsibilities namely:

• The Ministry of Education and Training
• The Ministry of Health
• The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs
• The Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture
• The Ministry of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform

In view of the above, the composition of the Executive Council will be as follows:

• Public Works, Roads and Transport: MEC Thandiswa Marawu
• Human Settlements, Safety and Liaison: MEC Helen August-Sauls
• Provincial Planning and Finance: MEC Phumulo Masualle
• Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism: Mcebisi Jonas
• Social Development, Women, Youth and People with Disabilities: MEC Pemmy Majodina
• Education and Training: MEC Mandla Makupula
• Health: MEC Sicelo Gqobana
• Local Government and Traditional Affairs: MEC Mlibo Qhoboshiane
• Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture: MEC Xoliswa Tom
• Rural Development and Agrarian Reform: MEC Zoleka Capa

Let me now take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members of the Executive for the sterling contribution they have played in an endeavour to improve the quality of life of the people of the province.

I now wish to welcome the new Members of the Executive Council, and also take this opportunity to wish them all the success in their new portfolios.

As highlighted earlier. In the spirit of Mama uBertha Gxowa, and of course many of the fallen heroes and heroines of our struggle; as servants of the people we, as this collective have the obligation to take forward the administration of the province, carrying with us the hopes and aspirations of our citizens. I am convinced and remain hopeful that we shall do our best in this regard.

I trust that this concludes this chapter and that all of us can now focus on the business at hand, i.e. accelerating service delivery for the people of the province.

I thank you!!

Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government