African National Congress (ANC) KwaZulu-Natal heavyweight Ntuthuko Mahlaba has been moved from the human settlements and public works portfolio and is now the MEC for sports, arts and culture. 

He replaces Amanda Bani-Mapena, who resigned in early April, while Sipho Nkosi replaces Mahlaba. 

Bani-Mapena resigned a few months after she took up the position, leading to speculation that she had been axed amid an alleged R4-million booze junket at the department.

She denied the allegations.

Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane officiated the swearing-in announcement as acting premier - in the absence of Nomusa Dube-Ncube - alongside KZN Deputy Judge President Mdumiseni Madondo. 

Simelane said the reshuffle was a "clear commitment to accelerate service delivery," aimed at making the provincial government "be more effective, agile and decisive in the realisation of commitments" which were made in the State of the Province Address.

Quizzed on whether this was a demotion for Mahlaba, who doubles as the ruling party's provincial treasurer, Simelane said: 

"Not at all. It is an indication from the provincial government how serious we take the matters of development in sports, arts and in culture.

"We want to emphasise that even the highest leaders we have in the province should have a responsibility of developing this sector [and ensuring it] is taken seriously. 

"It is someone who goes into that department with a new mandate."

Simelane said the government was investigating allegations related to the R4-million - but added that Bani-Mapena didn't resign because of the alleged splurge on alcohol. 

She described Nkosi as a veteran who had served with devoted commitment in several legislature committees and as the chairperson of the finance portfolio committee.

The ANC in the province welcomed the appointment, with provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo saying Nkosi would fast-track the roll-out of socio-economic infrastructure as well as ensuring an improved quality of life for the people of KZN. 

He said Nkosi's understanding of the Public Finance Management Act would enable him to ensure that taxpayers' funds were used to build quality houses and that contractors responsible for shoddy service were "blacklisted". 

"People in rural areas and those living in informal settlements will be prioritised, as he understands that the ANC does not want anyone left behind," Mtolo said.

He said Nkosi's immediate attention would zero in on families who were displaced by the devastating floods.