South Coasters appointed to KZN cabinet
After his inauguration, he announced his new cabinet and three of the MEC's are from the South Coast, Umzumbe.
Three MECs of the new KZN provincial cabinet hail from Umzumbe on the South Coast.
The new premier, Thami Ntuli of the IFP, announced his new cabinet on Tuesday last week.
Siboniso Duma, the former MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea), is from Ward 19 in Umzumbe Local Municipality and has been appointed as the new MEC for Transport and Human Settlements.
He told the Herald that the ANC had a lot of challenges.
“Water and electricity were the main issues that people have been complaining about for a while. We know that these issues made us lose many voters.”
Duma said that people are no longer voting for a political party but for service delivery and that people have spoken.
“Now our job is to give them what they need and what they have asked for.”
He said that with his new portfolio, he is aware that roads on the South Coast are in bad condition and that his priority will be to fix them.
Mbali Shinga, who is also from Umzumbe in Mgangeni area in Ward 18, said she is humbled by the members of the NFP.
Previously, Shinga was a member of the Community Safety and Liaison Committee in the Provincial Legislature and has now been appointed as the new MEC for Social Development.
“Firstly, we thank NFP members for trusting us; this means that there is a light for our party.”
Shinga said that the party had huge challenges and were lacking resources while campaigning prior to the elections.
She said that her new post represents the party’s late president, Zanele KaMaGwaza Msibi.
“Everyone thought it was over for the NFP, but look at God’s grace.”
Now, her focus will be on the fight against GBV, drug abuse and attempts to create government-owned rehabilitation centres.
Last but not least, the former mayor of Ugu District Municipality, Mntomuhle ‘B’ Khawula from the IFP and also from Umzumbe, has been appointed as the MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture.
Khawula is well-known on the coast and has been applauded for the efficient running of Ugu from 2000 to 2004.
He said, overall, his party did well in the elections; however, the results could have been better.
“I think what is important now is that we all work together as coalitions have been formed. We need to unite and put the needs of the people first.”
When asked what people can expect from his department, he said, ‘Watch the space; a lot of good things are coming’.
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