ERMELO – Political oversight of Gert Sibande District Municipality’s Planning, Economic Development and Innovation (PEDI) portfolio has shifted to executive mayor Walter Mngomezulu following a reshuffle of the Mayoral Committee.

The municipality announced today that the portfolio, previously headed by Bheki Buthelezi, will remain vacant until the end of the current municipal term.

Mngomezulu will oversee the portfolio’s functions for the remainder of the term.

Buthelezi will continue serving as an ordinary Proportional Representation (PR) councillor.

The municipality thanked him for his contribution and service as a member of the Mayoral Committee.

The municipality did not provide a reason for the change in its media statement.

The change in political oversight follows the district’s inaugural Investment Lekgotla, held in Ermelo on August 6, where GSDM introduced its District Investment Framework aimed at attracting and retaining investment and supporting economic development.

Buthelezi, who was the MMC responsible for PEDI at the time, chaired proceedings at the Investment Lekgotla.

GSDM said it remains committed to advancing its developmental mandate and delivering services to communities across the district.

Read more about the PEDI portfolio, its role in economic development and the district’s recently introduced Investment Framework in the Highvelder’s printed edition.