Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has announced a shake-up of the provincial administration’s management.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Mabuyane announced that five heads of departments would be moved from their jobs to his office.
They include HODs from the departments of health, transport, co-operative governance & traditional affairs, human settlements and agriculture, rural development & agrarian reform.
The HODs are Rolene Wagner from health, Andile Fani from Cogta, Mzi Mafani from transport, Tabisa Poswa from human settlements, and agriculture’s Siphokazi Ndudane.
Their removal comes after reports that some had fallen out of favour with their political heads and would be moved to Mabuyane’s office.
The Daily Dispatch reported in September that four of the five would be moved to Mabuyane’s office partly due to non-performance.
The removal of Wagner from her position has attracted the attention of top healthcare professionals in the province, with 129 specialists, doctors, professors, university heads and scientists having written to Mabuyane requesting that he rescind his decision.
However, Mabuyane has announced that Sindiswa Gede, who was a chief director in the department of health, will take over from Wagner on an acting basis.
Maud Madumane, who is a chief director at the provincial treasury, will be acting HOD of transport.
Vuyo Mlokoti is the new acting HOD for Cogta, Bongikhaya Dayimani will be the acting head of the agriculture department, while Edmond Venn will act as the new head for human settlements.
Mabuyane said there would not be a vacuum in the departments whose HODs had been moved to his office.
“These are equally capable leaders who now step up to bolster the performance of government and enhance our efforts of building the Eastern Cape we want.
“They will get all the necessary support from the executive committee.
“We are making all these strategic appointments to maintain the positive momentum we are making in other areas,” said Mabuyane.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.