Latest news with #MECs
IOL News
06-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
National Freedom Party calls for investigation into KwaZulu-Natal MECs' corruption allegations
Pressure is mounting on KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, with the National Freedom Party (NFP) being the latest to call on the premier to act against two MECs implicated in allegations of wrongdoing. In a statement, the party urged the premier to recall the two MECs. Party leader, Ivan Rowan Barnes, stated that the NFP is calling for an urgent and thorough investigation into serious allegations of corruption, patronage, and maladministration involving KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, and MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane. Both Hlomuka and Simelane have denied any wrongdoing. 'Publicly available information suggests that both MECs, along with members of their families, may be poised to improperly benefit from government programmes intended to support previously disadvantaged businesses. Further reports indicate that political allies within the African National Congress (ANC) may also stand to gain from these initiatives—allegedly facilitated by the implicated officials. 'The NFP is gravely concerned by the questionable procurement processes through which companies linked to the MECs' families were reportedly appointed. We therefore demand a comprehensive, transparent investigation to determine the extent of any wrongdoing. 'We believe a full investigation will reveal how programmes meant to empower emerging businesses may be manipulated to entrench corruption and political patronage,' said Barnes. THE MERCURY
TimesLIVE
05-08-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Gauteng premier waiting for evidence to act against health department head
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi says the lifestyle audit of health department head Lesiba Malotana is still outstanding and he will decide his future as soon as it is finalised. 'I act on evidence. The evidence I have now is insufficient and the institution conducting lifestyle audits has requested an extension and I've granted that extension. When they conclude that report I'll be in a position to take action.' Gauteng MPLs engaged MECs during question time at a sitting in Selbourn Hall, Johannesburg, on Tuesday. On Sunday, Lesufi reshuffled and removed several heads of department after a damning report that revealed about R1.8bn in underspending, including missed service delivery performance targets. He said some department heads had missed their performance targets. Lesufi also told MPLs the provincial government is on track with its E-tolls debt repayment plan. 'We are on track. We don't owe the national government. We owe the South African National Roads Agency. So far we've [paid] three instalments. We remain with two instalments and we'll ensure the history of E-tolls in our country is buried once and for all.'
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Premier Ndlovu Reshuffles Mpumalanga Executive Council in Bid to Restore Governance
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has announced a significant reshuffle of the provincial executive council, removing two Members of the Executive Council (MECs) from their positions and appointing new leadership across key departments. The move, according to Ndlovu, is aimed at improving governance and restoring public trust in the provincial administration. During a media briefing in Mbombela on Tuesday, Ndlovu confirmed the dismissal of Education MEC Cathy Dlamini and MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Makhosazane Masilela. Their removal comes amid ongoing concerns about poor governance, with the Department of Education recently embroiled in controversy over a R2 million laptop procurement scandal. Ndlovu said the reshuffle followed extensive consultations and was necessary to ensure proper service delivery across the province. 'These changes were not taken lightly. They followed a thorough assessment of departmental performance and are aimed at strengthening our ability to deliver quality services to the people of Mpumalanga,' he said. The Premier then introduced the new members of the executive council. Lindi Masina takes over as MEC for Education, while Jester Sidell assumes the role of MEC for Economic Development and Tourism. Khethiwe Moeketsi has been appointed MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, and Nompumelelo Hlophe is now the MEC for Social Development. 'I call on all newly appointed MECs to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and diligence,' Ndlovu added. Ndlovu confirmed the termination of the employment contract of the Head of Department for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Godfrey Ntombela. Ntombela had been suspended over allegations of irregular procurement and maladministration linked to COVID-19 relief spending. 'The contract of Mr Godfrey Ntombela has been terminated with immediate effect,' said Ndlovu. 'This decision follows a detailed process of assessment, and it was not taken lightly. We have also uncovered serious allegations of fraud, where the former premier's electronic signature was used in an attempt to unlawfully extend his contract.' According to Ndlovu, Ntombela's contract had been extended by former Premier Refiloe Mtshweni-Tsipane from 1 March 2024 to 28 September 2024, but recent findings suggest that the extension may have involved fraudulent activity. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Mpumalanga have welcomed the Premier's actions, saying the changes were long overdue. The party expressed hope that the new executive council would bring stability and improved service delivery to residents of the province. The swearing-in of the new MECs took place shortly after the announcement, with Ndlovu reiterating his commitment to ethical governance and improved public administration. He also warned that further changes could follow if officials do not meet performance expectations.
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga premier fires 2 MECs and an HOD
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.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga premier fires two MECs and a HOD
The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, reshuffled his cabinet and fired two MECs on Tuesday, July 15. He removed the MEC for education, Cathy Dlamini, and the MEC for economic development and tourism, Makhosazane Masilela. He also announced the termination of Godfrey Ntombela's contract as the head of the Department for Culture, Sports and Recreation with immediate effect. He appointed the former Ehlanzeni executive mayor, Jesta Sidell, as the new MEC for economic development and tourism. Lindi Masina, the speaker of the Provincial Legislature, was appointed as the new education MEC. They are expected to start their duties with immediate effect after being sworn in by Deputy Judge President Takalani Vincent Ratshibvumo. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga premier releases investigation report on R2m laptops '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. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga education department's laptop scandal investigated He also said when he took over the office he had made a promise to the people of Mpumalanga that he wanted to lead a government that would deliver to the people of this province and he is determined to do that. Regarding 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.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
