Three axed in North West cabinet reshuffle

27 Jun 2013

Three new members were sworn into the North West Provincial Executive Council (Exco) following a cabinet reshuffle that was announced by Premier Thandi Modise in Mahikeng on Wednesday evening.

The reshuffle has seen Premier Modise drop Louisa Mabe who was entangled in alleged irregularities relating to appointment of legal firm at a cost of R16 million from the portfolio of MEC for Education and Training.

China Dodovu who is facing a conspiracy to murder charge and Mosetsanagape Mokomele-Mothibi against whom there is investigations for abuse of Executive members privileges and benefits were also relieved of their responsibilities from the Portfolios of Local Government & Traditional Affairs and Social Development, Women, Children and People with Disabilities respectively.

"The changes should not be misinterpreted to suggest that the recalled members were found guilty of any wrongdoing as matters they were allegedly involved in have not been concluded. All of them executed their tasks with distinction. None of the allegations against them have been proved or disproved. The reshuffle is solely aimed at faster delivery and eliminating the need for us to answer for hang-ups," emphasised Modise.

She added that where public funds are found to have been misappropriated, steps would be taken to recoup every cent.

"Our focus is on accelerating service delivery and entrenching good governance therefore induction of new members would be prioritised to ensure that they hit the ground running," said Modise.

Wendy Matsemela a former Member of Parliament (MP) in the National Assembly between  2005 and 2009, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism between 2009 and 2010 and was current Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Provincial Affairs and Finance in the Provincial Legislature takes over from Mabe.

Manketsi Tlhape who was the Mayor of Tswaing Local Municipality between 2006 and 2011 has been appointed in the place of Dodovu as MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs while Collen Maine who served as an MP and Provincial Whip in the National Council of Provinces has been redeployed back to the province to take over from Mokomele-Mothibi.

The reshuffle is the second that Premier Modise has had to make since taking over the reigns in November 2010 and the third since the current term of government.

Statement issued by North West Office of the Premier, June 27 2013

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter