Mixed reactions to ANC Limpopo nominations in GNU

POLOKWANE – The appointment of five ANC members from Limpopo to Cabinet for the first time marks President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recognition of the province’s significant contribution to national politics.

This view was shared by Jimmy Machaka, spokesman for the ANC provincial executive, in response to the recent appointments of members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday evening.

Former Prime Minister Chupu Stanley Mathabatha has been appointed Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, while former Public Works Committee member Dickson Masemola is now Deputy Minister of Governance Cooperation and Traditional Affairs; former Sports, Arts and Culture Committee member Tandi Moraka is Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale have been appointed Deputy Ministers of the Police Ministry.

DA leader in Limpopo, Lindy Wilson, has expressed support for the nomination of Solly Malatsi as Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.

“He has been a long-time spokesman for the DA and we know he will do a great job. We wish him all the best and he has our support,” Wilson told the Polokwane Observer.

Political commentator Ismail Cohen, however, criticised the replacement of Ronald Lamola with former Polokwane mayor Thembi Nkadimeng on the justice and constitutional development committee.

Cohen argued that new tasks should be tailored to previous work experience and relevant qualifications.

“Replacing Lamola with Nkadimeng, who may not have the right qualifications and knowledge of the portfolio, could lead to inefficiency and incompetence, as well as lack of proper supervision,” he noted.

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union has expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of a DA-led minister as Minister of Basic Education.

Provincial Secretary Sowell Tjebane called Siviwe Gwarube’s appointment a slap in the face despite the GNU Council’s deference to Ramaphosa’s decision.

“The DA has in the past called Sadtu a rival because their policies were anti-union. For a long time, the DA did not believe that unions had the right to exist. They have always made statements that Sadtu is responsible for all the problems in the education sector, accusing us of being against education in this country, of running education and controlling the Department of Education and ministers. While we respect this decision, we are concerned,” Tjebane said.