Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has reconstituted her Provincial Executive Council, bringing in new faces and moving several MECs to different portfolios in the first major cabinet shake-up since the beginning of the seventh administration in July 2024.
The new Executive Council was sworn into office on Wednesday morning, September 2, following Ramathuba’s announcement of the changes.
The reshuffle sees Pule Shayi and Eddie Maila entering the provincial cabinet, while several existing MECs have been moved to new responsibilities.
Shayi, who is a senior ANC provincial leader, takes over as MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA).
Maila has been appointed MEC for Health, taking charge of one of the province’s biggest and most closely watched departments.
Another significant change is the appointment of Nakedi Kekana as MEC for Transport and Community Safety.
The reconstituted Executive Council is:
– Agriculture and Rural Development: Basikopo Makamu
– Education: Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya
– Social Development: Florence Radzilani
– Transport and Community Safety: Nakedi Kekana
– Economic Development, Environment and Tourism: Dr Tshitereke Matibe
– Finance: Kgabo Mahoai
– Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure: Ernest Rachoene
– Sport, Arts and Culture: Constance Kupa-Mabuza
– Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs: Pule Shayi
– Health: Eddie Maila
Several MECs retain positions
While the reshuffle brings two new members into the Executive Council, some of Ramathuba’s existing MECs have retained their portfolios.
Basikopo Makamu remains responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development, while Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya continues as Education MEC.
Florence Radzilani also remains in Social Development, while Ernest Rachoene continues to head Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure.
Kgabo Mahoai retains the Finance portfolio.
The changes therefore represent a combination of new appointments, portfolio movements and continuity rather than a complete overhaul of the provincial cabinet.
Ramathuba said the refreshed executive would be expected to focus on improving service delivery and creating better economic opportunities for the people of Limpopo.
“People are watching and they are waiting for results. We are here to serve and our success will be measured by our ability to turn around the lives of the ordinary residents in our villages, townships and towns,” Ramathuba said.
She added that the administration must be characterised by “work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to inclusive growth.”
The Premier expressed confidence that the new team would provide the leadership needed to stabilise service provision and drive sustainable economic growth across Limpopo.
The changes come at a crucial period for the provincial government, with the administration facing pressure to improve service delivery, strengthen infrastructure development and stimulate economic activity across the province.
The appointment of the new MECs also places renewed focus on the ability of the Executive Council to translate the provincial government’s plans into tangible improvements in communities.