North West Provincial Legislature swears in three new members

18 April 2006

Tuesday, 18 April 2006, was a red letter day for the North West Provincial
Legislature as the Speaker of the House, Honourable Thandi Modise, swore in
three new Members of the Provincial Legislature. The three new MPLs from the
African National Congress (ANC) are Hon Boitumelo Tshwene, Hon Mosetsanagape
Mokomele-Mothibi and Hon Nomvula Hlangwana.

Hon Tshwene is the former Speaker of the City Council of Matlosana having
served in that portfolio from 2000 – 2006. Prior to that, this experienced
politician was a school manager at Nkang Mahlale Secondary School in Klerksdorp
from 1996 – 2000. Tshwene bring his extensive experience in governance matters
to the Legislature. Tshwene is a member of the Provincial Executive Council of
the ANC North West.

“I am very excited at this appointment as I love challenges and I truly
believe this will test the skills I have acquired through the years. I believe
that I will make a valuable contribution to the House and to the citizens of
the North West,” said an animated Tshwene

Another new appointee is Hon Mosetsanagape Mokomele-Mothibi who comes from a
background of giving to the youth and children. Formerly this soft spoken
legislator held two concurrent jobs. She was Area Manager for Telephone
Interpreting Systems South Africa (TISSA) from 2004 - 2006 as well as holding a
crucial position from 1999 – 2006 at Ntime Omphele Ngwana, which is project
that looks after HIV and AIDS orphans in the Taung area. She also served with a
non-governmental organisation called Children’s Rights from 1999 – 2001, which
fell under the Office of the Presidency. It was here her experience in policy
making, lobbying and advocacy was fine-tuned. Mokomele-Mothibi’s background
with children has always been with her as she was a school principal at an
early learning centre for over a decade. Tshwene is a member of the ANC Women’s
League in the North West.

“I am passionate about children. I believe that children should be heard. I
am thrilled that I will be right here to ensure service delivery in fields such
as education and health for children. Mostly though, I will be right here to
ensure that the Legislature will deliver on children’s rights,” said
Mokomele-Mothibi.

Finally, someone the people of Mafikeng and the North West will be familiar
with its former Executive Mayor of Mafikeng, Nomvula Hlangwana. Hon Hlangwana
was Executive Mayor of Mafikeng from 2003 – 2006. Earlier Hlangwana was a
Member of Parliament at the National Assembly from 1996 – 2003 where she was a
member of SCOPA. For Ms Hlangwana being an MPL is like coming home. She was an
MPL right here at the North West Provincial Legislature from 1994 – 1996.
Hlangwana is a member of the Provincial Executive Council of the ANC North
West.

“I am pleased to be back at the Legislature. I am even happier because I
return to the Legislature with more skills and therefore have better
contribution to make. I believe that my experience can only benefit the
Legislature and therefore the people of this province,” declared Hlangwana
cheerfully.

“We lost two men and a woman but gained two women and a man,” started
Speaker Modise referring to the resignations of Hons Mahumapelo, Gwabeni and
Mereeotlhe when asked to comment on the appointments.

“I believe that as the Legislature we have gained enormously with the
appointment of these experienced politicians. Hons Tshwene and Hlangwana’s
experience in governance and Mokomele-Mothibi’s experience in youth and HIV
matters can only increase the quality of delivery from the Legislature. Hon
Hlangwana’s tenure as a member of Standing Committee on Public Accounts
(SCOPA), and Hon Tshwene’s time as Speaker ensures our increased capacity in
matters of governance,” Continued Modise

“We are also pleased to have Hon Mokomele-Mothibi on board as we have not
had an MPL from Taung before. Taung is a big part of Bophirima with many of the
problems of our province such as agricultural issues, poverty and unemployment.
Her experience in these fields will make this Legislature a force to be
reckoned with. I know this is yet another milestone in growing this
legislature. Welcome aboard!” concluded a visibly pleased Speaker Modise.

Enquiries:
Roberta Makhambeni
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: (018) 392 7158
Cell: 082 779 4641
E-mail: roberta@nwpl.org.za

Issued by: North West Provincial Legislature, North West Provincial
Government
18 April 2006