The Mpumalanga MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs, Busisiwe Shiba, has been sworn in to act as the premier of the province with effect from November 16 to 24.

This is due to Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane being out of office to lead a delegation on an outbound mission to Russia, which includes the director general of the Office of the Premier, Makhukhu Mampuru, and the head of the Department of Education, Lucy Moyane.

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They will meet some of the province’s students in an attempt to address their challenges in Russia.

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The appointment of acting premier is in accordance with Section 131 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Francis Legodi, judge president of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, presided over the short ceremony at the high court today.