Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2010


North West Premier, Thandi Modise, today (Thurs), announced a revamped cabinet of six new faces, left out four but retained some of the old guard in one of the major anticipated shake-up in the history of the provincial cabinet.

The move has also resulted in the realignment of two departments with the introduction also of the provincial ministry responsible for Women, Children and People With Disabilities.

The six newcomers to the executive council (MECs) following the provincial regime change seven days ago are:
Dr Magome Masike (Department of Health);
Mr Patrick Chauke (Department of Sports Arts and Culture);
Mr Paul Sebego (Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs);
Mr Raymond Elisha (Department of Education)
Ms Mosetsanagape Mokomela-Mothibi (Department of Social Development and Women, Children and People With Disabilities) and
Ms Tebogo Modise (Economic Development, Environment and Tourism).

Those, no longer part of cabinet are:
Ms Mmaphefo Wendy Matsemela (Economic Development and Tourism);
Rebecca Kasienyana (Health);
Howard Yawa (Safety);
Gordon Kegakilwe (Local Government) and
the Reverend Johannes Tselapedi (Education).

MECs remaining in their current positions are:
Mr Mahlakeng Mahlakeng (Public Works, Roads and Transport);
Mr Boitumelo Tshwene (Agriculture and Rural Development);
Ms Louisa Mabe (Finance) and
Ms Desbo Mohono (Human Settlements, Safety and Liaison).

The reconstituted cabinet was today (Thurs) immediately sworn into office by Judge President of the North West High Court, Monica Leeuw, minutes before members could officially take their respective seats for the scheduled business of the day in the provincial legislature.

Today was the last sitting of the provincial legislature before Christmas recess.

Commenting on the changes, Modise said she was ``confident’’ her new-look team would ``hit the ground running’’ and ensure that government delivered on the key priorities to improve the lives of the people of the province.
Reflecting on her acceptance speech as Premier, she said:
``Our province has numerous challenges which require all of us, to cut back on fancy words and begin to deliver services’’.

`` I am committed to serve our country and its people. Together and with this team, we will lead from the frontline for others to follow, in our quest to make our province better,’’ Modise said.

She lamented the poor state of the road infrastructure in the province, chronic water shortages particularly especially in rural areas, and the generally substandard quality of service to ordinary people in the province.

``We must teach people of the North West to demand good service. This province does not give good service, in the spirit of Batho Pele. Instead, it is the opposite that happens…Rona Pele (us first)’’ she said.

END

Issued by Chief Directorate: Communication
Contact Person: Matshube Mfoloe
Contact Number: (018) 387 2447 / 082 305 4594
E-mail:mmfoloe@nwpg.gov.za