E Cape Premier Unveils Reconfigured Executive Council to Boost Economic Development

In a significant move, Premier Mabuyane announced the reconfiguration of government departments to better address the province's economic and developmental needs.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has reassured residents that the provincial government is committed to delivering on its 2024 manifesto promises more efficiently and effectively. In a significant move, Premier Mabuyane announced the reconfiguration of government departments to better address the province's economic and developmental needs.

At the announcement of the new Members of the Executive Council (MECs) on Friday, Mabuyane detailed the separation of Finance from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism. This strategic reconfiguration aims to prioritize economic development and foster a robust economy capable of generating new jobs.

"We want to ensure that special focus is paid to retaining and attracting new investments into our province. After all, it is the investors that will create the much-needed jobs in our province," Mabuyane stated.

Additionally, the Departments of Public Works and Human Settlements have been merged. "These two departments are mainly about the built environment, which is critical for the development of our province and communities. It makes sense to place them under one Executing Authority for seamless planning and execution of projects," Mabuyane explained.

The new Members of the Executive Council are:

Mlungisi Mvoko - MEC for Finance

Fundile Gade - MEC for Education

Ntandokazi Capa - MEC for Health

Zolile Williams - MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Nonkqubela Peters - MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism

Sibulele Ngongo - MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture

Bukiwe Fanta - MEC for Social Development

Mani-Lusithi - MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements

Xolile Nqatha - MEC for Transport and Community Safety

Nonceba Kontsiwe - MEC for Agriculture

Premier Mabuyane emphasized that the MECs will lead stable portfolios supported by experienced Heads of Departments (HODs), established CEOs of public entities, and highly skilled employees. "They will be supported by their administrative teams to build on the progress of the past five years," he assured.

This reconfiguration and new appointments are expected to streamline governance and enhance the province's capacity to attract investments, thereby driving job creation and economic growth in the Eastern Cape.