The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decision by the Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane to appoint Mohita Latchminarain as the MEC of Public Works, Roads and Transport. We have witnessed Latchminarain as being firm in her portfolio committees and hopes that she will continue to maintain her vigour in this position as an MEC and that she will fix the dilapidated department.
We are pleased by the removal of Pat Ngomane as MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism as he failed to promote economic growth and tourism in the province. We are also pleased that the Premier, has finally heeded the DA’s calls to remove Gillion Mashego, he brought both the Departments of Health and Public works to their knees.
It would appear that the changes made to the Mpumalanga Executive Council is indicative that the Premiers’ faction has now stamped their mark by booting out those who were aligned to then Premier Davide Mabuza, such as Ngomane and Mashego.
The Premier has clearly played her cards very carefully by moving Vusi Shongwe back to Community Safety, Security and Liaison from Agriculture.
The DA is however extremely concerned about the return of Thandi Shongwe to the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation as currently the SIU is still investigating the Mandela Statue debacle that cost the Mpumalanga taxpayers R8.3 million.
It is clear that the Refilwe faction is gaining strength against the Mabuza faction however whatever the battles within the ANC, the DA in Mpumalanga will continue to hold the Executive to account. Ultimately the people of the province must come above ANC petty politics.