Mabuyane unveils cabinet, introduces two new faces

Mabuyane unveiled his provincial cabinet on Friday in Bisho following his re-election as premier last week.

The ANC has managed to maintain support in the Eastern Cape, with 62% of the vote in the recent general election.

He made only a few changes to the executives from the sixth administration.

He appointed Ntandokazi Capa as the new Health MEC, replacing Nomakhosazana Meth, who is now a Member of Parliament.

The other new face is Sibulele Ngongo, who has joined the executive as the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, taking over from Nonceba Kontsiwe, who has been moved to the Department of Agriculture.

Five MECs remained in their portfolios from the sixth administration: Fundile Gade as MEC for Education, Zolile Williams as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Bukiwe Fanta as MEC for Social Development, Xolile Nqatha as MEC for Transport & Community Safety, and Mlungisi Mvoko at Finance.

Mabuyane merged the Department of Human Settlement and Public Works, appointing Mani-Lusithi as the MEC.

He also separated Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism from Finance. 

DEDEAT is now headed by Nonkqubela Peters.

Mabuyane expressed his hope that the new cabinet members will spend more time in communities, addressing the challenges faced by the people.

"In making the appointments of MECs to this seventh administration, I was guided by principles of competency, continuity, and commitment. 

“I believe the men and women I am appointing to this EXCO are equal to the responsibilities of leadership I am assigning to them.

“I have worked with most of them in the sixth administration without any issues.

“They are hard workers. I expect them to spend 90% of their time in our communities, addressing the challenges of our people and stakeholders in the wards. 

“I will support them to perform their functions better for the benefit of the people of the Eastern Cape," he vowed.