Date: 03/05/2004
Source: Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Title: T Makwetla: Announcement of Mpumalanga Executive Council members


BRIEF REMARKS BY MPUMALANGA PREMIER TSP MAKWETLA, AT THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS NEW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 3 May 2004

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for coming.

I see a lot of familiar faces. People I have met during my tenure as MEC for Safety and Security. I am convinced that the cordial relations we have built over the years will continue into the future as I, and the men and women I lead in the Mpumalanga Executive Council, assume office.

From the time the election results were announced speculation on who was in and who was out started. And when we did not announce the new Executive Council last Friday, the speculation intensified.

Well, today we hope to put to rest all the speculation.

You will remember that during the elections we recommitted ourselves to entering into a people's contract to create work and fight poverty. This integrated programme would ensure a better life for all our people.

It would be a contract that would link reconstruction and development to our everyday efforts and in the process lift our people from the depths of poverty.

We outlined a programme focusing on economic growth, development and job creation, poverty eradication and efficient and effective management of resources - both human and material.

I am glad to present to you a solid team of men and women who not only share that ideal, but are also willing to work hard towards its attainment.

Let me assure you that the team I lead promises to promote solid traits such as work ethic and a dignified lifestyle, matching action to rhetoric performing, rather than grandstanding.

As Premier of the Province, rest assured that I will, together with my team, strive for good governance, food for each table, jobs, and peace and security in every community.

Rest assured that we will work for the good of the family of Mpumalanga so that we can assure our children a truly prosperous nation. We will work on improving moral standards in government and society, in order to provide a strong foundation for good governance.

We assure our people that individually and as a team we are committed and determined to serve the people of the province, remaining ever conscious of their needs and aspirations.

On behalf of the team I make a pledge that as the Executive Council we shall be accountable to the people of this province through the Legislature and other structures they have established.

We will continue to act with honour at all times, since to do otherwise will be a betrayal to those whom we seek to serve.

We are convinced that through the help and co-operation of all the people of this province, we will meet the challenge of the people of Mpumalanga.

A great future lies ahead.

I thank you.

MEMBERS OF THE MPUMALANGA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

1. Agriculture and Land Administration: Ms Nomsa Mtsweni
2. Culture, Sports and Recreation: Mr Madala Masuku
3. Education: Mr Siphosezwe Masango
4. Economic Development and Planning: Mr JI Mabena
5. Finance: Ms Mmathulare Coleman
6. Health and Social Services: Mr William Lubisi
7. Local Government and Housing: Mr JL Mahlangu
8. Public Works: Ms Candith Mashego
9. Roads and Transport: Mr Fish Mahlalela
10. Safety and Security Mr Pogisho Phasha

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
3 May 2004