Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu reshuffled his Cabinet today, firing two MECs and terminating the contract of a senior departmental head with immediate effect.

According to Mpumalanga News, Ndlovu removed MEC for Education Cathy Dlamini and MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Makhosazane Masilela.

He also announced the termination of Godfrey Ntombela’s contract as Head of the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation.

Former Ehlanzeni Executive Mayor Jesta Sidell was appointed as the new MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, while Provincial Legislature Speaker Lindi Masina was named the new MEC for Education. Both were sworn in by Deputy Judge President Takalani Vincent Ratshibvumo and will assume their duties immediately.

“The removal of Dlamini and Masilela comes after the provincial government had made several assessments across the departments and realised we needed to make certain changes. This is aimed at strengthening the work of government to address service delivery as well as a number of other challenges that impede us from reaching the targets set for this administration,” Ndlovu said.

On Ntombela’s termination, Ndlovu said: “It has also come to my attention that fraud has been committed, whereby former Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane’s electronic signature was used for the extension of Ntombela’s contract. There is also an alleged payment of R80 000, exchanged for the misuse of the former premier’s electronic signature. This matter is viewed in a very serious light. As a result I have consulted the acting provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, to investigate the matter.”

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