MBOMBELA – Mr David Mabuza officially started his second term as premier on Thursday. He is the first Mpumalanga premier to win a second term at the helm of the provincial government.
With all protocol observed, Gauteng High Court deputy judge president Mr Aubrey Ledwaba administered the oath of office in a marquee the size of a football field in front of the government complex to accommodate all the guests. These included the people, religious leaders and cabinet ministers.
Former provincial premiers Messrs Mathews Phosa, Ndaweni Mahlangu and Thabang Makwetla each served only one term. At the inauguration programme director Ms Ayanda Allie-Paine was lyrical about the responsibility resting on Mabuza’s shoulders to carry the hopes, dreams, aspirations and be an inspiration to the people for another five years. He in turn reiterated his gratitude to the ruling ANC and the residents to have him back for another term.
With the second highest percentage of support in all provines after Limpopo, the ANC lost votes in Mpumalanga to the DA and EFF during the past general elections. It cost them three seats in legislature.
“The ANC remains our future and the ANC leads,” asserted Mabuza. “The people of this province know very well that the ANC is the only political platform to carry their aspirations forward. We will continue to react to the needs of our people.”
He vowed that going forward the party would build on its strengths and improve in those areas where it had fallen short in the past.
Here is the team selected to lead the provice for the commencing term:
– Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs – Hon. Andries Gamede
– Community Safety, Security and Liaison – Hon, Vusi Shongwe
– Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) – Hon. Refilwe Mtsweni
– Culture, Sport and Recreation – Hon. Norah Mahlangu
– Education – Hon. Reginah Mhaule
– Finance, Economic Development and Tourism – Hon. Eric Kholwane
– Health – Hon. Gillion Mashego
– Human Settlements – Hon. Violet Siwela
– Public Works, Roads and Transport – Hon. Dumisile Nhlengethwa
– Social Development- Hon. Nomsa Mtsweni
