The newly elected premier for KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, announced his provincial cabinet comprising of representatives from the political parties in the governments of national and provincial unity of IFP, DA, NFP and ANC.
Ntuli’s delegation made the announcement after he was officially sworn-in and inaugurated as the premier of the hotly contested province.
Ntuli emerged as the victor after narrowly outvoting his opponent, Inkosi Phatisizwe Chiliza, of Umkhonto weSizwe Party at the provincial legislature on Friday. He succeeds former premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
Retaining her position was Nomagugu Simelane, who will preside as the MEC for health.
Siboniso Duma, who was running for the KZN premiership for the ANC, was appointed as the Transport and Human Settlements MEC. He previously served as MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, a position now given to Reverend Musa Zondi of the IFP.
The “Kingmaker”, the NFP, gained the Social Development portfolio which will be administered by Mbali Chinga.
From the DA, Francoise Rodgers is set to serve as MEC for Finance, while Lucas Meyer will lead the Public Works and Infrastructure Department.
Former mayor of the Zululand District Municipality, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi of the IFP, is the MEC for Cooperative Development and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
Additionally, other members of the IFP, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa will work as MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development while Mntomuhle Khawula will be the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture.
From the ANC, Siphosihle Hlomuka was delegated as MEC for Education.
During a media briefing, Ntuli explained that he had chosen his cabinet based on experience, and inclusive of women: “It was important to consider the experience, so that not everyone would be new or starting to learn. A consideration had to be made to ensure the women of our country play a role in the development of this province.”
Ntuli added that as the premier, he was eager to curb crime, “We have prioritised fighting crime and bringing stability to this province, therefore, I will place the Department of Community Safety and Liaison in the office of the premier, in order to lead the agenda of fighting crime.”
He added that he and his executive were determined to ethically serve the people of KZN, saying, “I expect my cabinet to hit the ground running, of rebuilding the province of KZN. I appreciate we come from different political homes, now it is time to put the people of KZN first. All of us are expected to serve the province with honesty, dignity and diligently. We must never betray the people of KZN.
“I pledge that the people of KZN will own this government, this new government belongs to you. I pledge to protect this office, I will never betray the trust of those who deployed us here. Together, with my new executive, we will work for you, deliver services, opportunities, hope and prosperity,” said Ntuli.
The Star