Mr Bongani Gxilishe has been appointed as the head of department for the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) starting from Thursday, 2 May 2013.
Gxilishe was the head of department for Roads and Public Works in the Eastern Cape from April 2010 until the end of his tenure in March 2013. He also worked as the interim Director-General of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government in November 2010 until the position was filled.
The DEDEAT MEC, Mr Mcebisi Jonas, welcomed the appointment of Mr Gxilishe as a step towards ensuring continuity in the process of fulfilling the mandate of the department.
“Gxilishe has an impeccable track-record and has showcased his leadership skills in the previous positions held in the provincial administration. Jonas further commended Gxilishe as a “seasoned leader who understands the provincial imperatives and will be instrumental in steering the department towards meeting the targets set in the medium to long term.
“The Eastern Cape has endless opportunities that need to be unlocked working in harmony with stakeholders in the identified priority sectors. My role will be instrumental in instilling a shared vision for a common understanding of the development agenda of the province. I am deeply humbled with my appointment as the head of department for DEDEAT and I understand the magnitude of work ahead of me,” said Bongani Gxilishe.
Gxilishe joins the DEDEAT after the resignation of Mr Bulumko Nelana in December 2012. Mr Albert Mfenyana, General Manager for Environmental Affairs was appointed as the acting head of department in the process of searching for the potential candidate.
MEC Jonas thanked Mfenyana for serving as the acting head of department. “Mfenyana never hesitated to heed to the call to act as the head of department and this exemplifies the calibre of workforce required to serve the public with dedication and humility,” said Jonas.
For enquiries and interviews please contact:
Sixolile Makaula, Communications Manager
Cell: 072 751 5001
Tel: 043 605 7117
E-mail: sixolile.makaula@deaet.ecape.gov.za
