Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
Gauteng Premier, Mbhazima Shilowa has noted media reports linking MEC for Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs, Mary Metcalfe to the director general position in the Education Ministry.
Mary Metcalfe informed the premier that she has not even applied for the position of director general in the education ministry. Neither has any one in the ministry approached her to take up the position.
The ANC's National Deployment Committee normally handles matters of deployment, and if Mary were to be re-deployed it would be on the advice of the committee.
It is claimed in the reports that Mary Metcalfe was disgruntled when she was appointed to her current position - which the reporters think was a demotion.
The reporters are obviously lying, as Mary Metcalfe has never told any one that she was disgruntled after her appointment to he current position in the Executive Council. She is very happy with her position and is already working very hard. She has not shown any sign of a disgruntled person.
The Premier reiterates his full confidence in the ability of Ms Metcalfe to perform her duties as MEC. The position she occupies in the Executive Council is in no way a demotion. On the contrary it is one of the most important areas of work which requires the kind of skills Ms Metcalfe possesses.
The Premier has never been approached by any of the officials in the Gauteng Education Department to request him not to appoint Mary Metcalfe as MEC for Education.
Issued by Thabo Masebe
Spokesperson for the Premier - Gauteng Provincial Government
Tel 082 551 4945
23 July 1999