Magashule’s reshuffling fails to deliver any aces

04 October 2016

Free State Premier Ace Magashule’s reshuffled cabinet will not do anything to improve the capacity of the provincial government to improve the delivery of services. 

If anything, it proves that Magashule places factional and personal loyalties above the interests of the people of the Free State.

The promotion of Limakatso Mahasa to the position of MEC for Social Development generates the same suspicion and shock as the appointment last year of Dora Coetzee into the position of MEC for Public Works. Mahasa has shown little interest in her work in the legislature and has been notoriously late for, or absent from, meetings. Her conduct during debates of the legislature similarly leave much to be desired. The motives behind the appointment of this inexperienced back bencher into the position of MEC will be viewed with a great deal of suspicion.

Dr Benny Malakoane’s move from the Department of Health to Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) only proves that this medical doctor failed the hundreds of thousands of people who are subjected to his poor management of the public healthcare system in the province. Magashule knows that this shift will do nothing to improve the capacity of DESTEA. 

If Butana Komphela is allowed to exercise his judgement and political will, he may be able to improve the current situation at the Department of Health. His move, however, confirms reports of serious problems within the administration of the Department of Police, Roads, and Transport relating to senior appointments and the allocation of lucrative deals to private companies. Mashinini will either have to deal with these problems, or face the allegation that he has been deployed there to cover up these issues.

The DA is disappointed with the cabinet reshuffle and will continue to play our oversight role as the official opposition in the Free State Legislature. Magashule has once again proved that he prefers weakness and mediocrity over capacity and excellence. Clearly, the pool of ANC cadres with the capacity to govern has also been affected by the severe drought in the Free State province.

Statement issued by Roy Jankielsohn, Leader of the Official Opposition, 4 October 2016