Former MECs lead new MEGA and MTPA boards in Mpumalanga
A host of experienced former political leaders has been tasked with overseeing Mpumalanga's tourism and economic growth agencies.
“They must serve as strategic frontline engines to drive the implementation of inclusive growth and job creation to strengthen governance and to foster stability in their entities.”
This was the message from Jesta Sidell, MEC for economic development and tourism, to Fish Mahlalela and Jabu Mahlangu, the respective chairpersons of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA).
Both Mahlalela and Mahlangu are former MECs of Mpumalanga and were, until Monday, acting as chairpersons of their entities’ boards of directors.
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Mahlalela was the deputy minister of tourism until August last year, after which he was deployed as the acting chairperson of the MTPA. He had also previously served as the MEC for local government; culture, sport and recreation; finance and economic development; and environment and tourism.
Sidell said, “The BODs play a crucial oversight role in these entities by ensuring that the department fulfils its mandate to stimulate economic growth and development in the province so as to create sustainable and decent employment, drive economic transformation, and alleviate poverty.”
Numerous other former MECs were also appointed as board members.
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Other members of the MTPA board include Mohita Latchminarain (former MEC for public works, roads and transport), Raymond Sizile Ndlovu, Qondile Gloria Thabethe, Walter Makgai, Gladys Monama, Prof. David Mabunda (former director of the Kruger National Park and CEO of SANParks, and currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Mpumalanga), Norah Mahlangu (former MEC for sport and recreation), Emmanuel Mtshali, Nomndeni Motha (former MEC for culture, sport and recreation and human settlements) and Andy Le Monnier.
The BOD members for MEGA are Nkateko Khoza, Adv Mthokozisi Xulu, Busisiwe Shiba (former MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs), Sipho William Lubisi (former MEC for health and social development and economic development and planning), Zakithi Makhubu, December Mavuso, Noxolo Zephania Oyiya, Jacques Modipane (former MEC for finance and CEO of the MTPA), Rev Mhlupheki Micah Nthali and Elizabeth Mokoena.
The two boards will serve for a period of four years.
