Florence Radzilana (photo from ANC Limpopo Facebook page)
The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo expressed concerns regarding the inclusion of Florence Radzilani and Nakedi Sibanda in Premier Stan Mathabatha’s second cabinet reshuffle in just more than three months.
“Noting the axing of Polly Boshielo, Thandi Moraka and Dickson Masemola following lackluster performances, we are seriously concerned about the appointment of Florence Radzilani as MEC for Transport and Community Safety and Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana as MEC for Sports, Arts & Culture,”
said DA Caucus Whip in Limpopo Legislature, Katlego Suzan Phala MPL.
According to Phala, Radzilani and Sibanda-Kekana were former mayors in Vhembe and Lepelle Nkumpi involved in the VBS investment scandal who were fired after the release of the “Great Bank Heist” report, but were subsequently awarded with seats in the Provincial Legislature.
“It is clear that this latest reshuffle is not in the interest of a province in real distress, but rather for Premier Mathabatha and his faction to gird for the upcoming ANC national conference. We are gravely concerned that Poppy Ramathuba, who has done very little to improve health care, and who is now infamous for the Veritas Digital cash spend, survived as MEC for Health,”
added Phala.
Roger Manama’s stint as SCOPA chairperson is indicative that it is doubtful that he will add value as MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Moreover, the R108 million fruitless and wasteful expenditure of the Tubatse land deal transpired right under Manama’s nose as the then Chief Director of Local Government.
Premier Mathabatha lost a real opportunity to make more extensive changes to provide credible leaders for a government of an ailing province.
Instead, the Premier opted for stomach politics which casts doubt over his frequent and well-rehearsed commitments to fight corruption.
“We will closely monitor the performance of Premier Mathabatha’s newly appointed cadres and will hold them to account,”
she said.