New KZN cabinet to focus on reviving the economy and creating jobs

POLITICAL NEWS - Despite the opposition slamming KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s cabinet appointments as the product of ANC factional battles, she maintained that the decisions were informed by the need to revive the economy and create jobs.

Announcing the cabinet changes in Durban on Thursday, Dube-Ncube said the main task of the new executive team was to address the province’s current challenges of slow economic growth and unemployment.

We assume our responsibilities fully aware that this country and the province, in particular, is facing economic challenges. Judging from all commentary in the public media and in the social media outlets, but more so the suffering and palpable poverty in communities, job creation has to be a matter of concern to each and every South African.

Rebuilding the economy and creating decent jobs in the formal and informal economies is the top priority for KwaZulu-Natal provincial government.

The changes saw former premier Sihle Zikalala assume a new role as MEC for Co-operative, Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), replacing Sipho Hlomuka — who is the new community safety MEC.

Hlomuka, who is also the ANC provincial deputy secretary, replaced Peggy Nkonyeni, who was shifted to the finance portfolio.

KZN MPL, Mbali Fraser, was appointed education MEC, replacing Kwazi Mshengu — who was dropped from the provincial cabinet.

Former ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leader, Amanda Bani-Mapena, was appointed arts and culture MEC, replacing Hlengiwe Mavimbela — who was also dropped from the cabinet.

ANC provincial chairperson, Siboniso Duma, was appointed economic development MEC, replacing Ravi Pillay — who resigned on Wednesday.

The provincial cabinet reshuffle also saw former Newcastle Mayor Ntuthuko Mahlaba — who is also the ANC provincial treasurer, appointed as the new human settlement MEC.

Mahlaba replaced Jomo Sibiya —who was dropped from the cabinet.

On the other hand, social development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza — who is also the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) provincial chairperson, has been returned.

Agriculture MEC Bongi Sithole- Moloi, has also been returned, and so has health MEC Nomagugu Simelane —who is also the newly-elected ANC provincial deputy chairperson.

Dube-Ncube, who was elected as KZN Premier on Wednesday following Zikalala’s resignation as premier, said the new cabinet will hit the ground running.

“Our first message this morning is that the next few months of the members of the executive council will be characterised by hard work and humble service to the people of this province,” she said.

We are inviting the people of KwaZulu-Natal to walk with us as we embark on this journey of building a stronger KZN.

However, KZN opposition parties said the reshuffle was done to accommodate newly elected ANC provincial leaders such as Duma and Mahlaba.

IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa said the changes were imposed on Dube-Ncube by the newly-elected ANC provincial leadership.

The executive reshuffle that took place today was already expected, considering the events of the recent ANC conference in the province. The IFP notes the changes as more a ‘Duma Cabinet’ [Siboniso Duma] rather than a Dube-Ncube Cabinet. Only time will tell how long this compromised executive comprised of those rejected by the ANC conference and its victors work together.

Unlike Zikalala, who during his tenure as Premier was also the ANC provincial chairperson, Dube-Ncube is currently not part of the ANC provincial top five leadership structure.

Hlabisa said it would be difficult for Dube-Ncube to hold Duma, Mahlaba, Simelane and Hlomuka —all of who are part of the ANC provincial top five leadership structure, to account.

“They are her superiors – it will be difficult for her to tell them what to do,” he said.

New cabinet