The Democratic Alliance criticised the reshuffling of the Mpumalanga provincial cabinet on Monday.
DA MPL Anthony Benadie said Mpumlanga premier David Mabuza had chosen the most loyal rather than the strongest leaders for his cabinet.
“Our greatest concern is the appointment of deputy speaker Violet Siwela to the portfolio of agriculture and rural development,” said Benadie.
“Her appointment is surely a reward for securing premier Mabuza's support with ANC structures in the Bushbuckridge region.”
He said she had made little contribution to the legislature.
“She is a weak leader and her appointment signals a sad day for the agricultural sector in Mpumalanga Ä a sector in which she has little or no knowledge, or sentiment.”
The DA also questioned the appointment of Simon Skosana and Andries Gamede as the MECs of co-operative governance and human settlement respectively.
“They will undoubtedly be little more than the premiers 'yes-men' and neither have a proud record of delivery in their former roles as mayors of the Nkangala and Gert Sibande district municipalities,” said Benadie.
He gave a thumbs-up to the shifting of Yvonne (Pinky) Phosa from finance MEC to economic development.
“She is undoubtedly the strongest leader in the ANC cabinet,” said Benadie.
Commenting on the sacking of the Clifford Mkasi from the health and social development post, Benadie said it was “regretted, and unexpected”.
He accused Mabuza of strategically removing Mkasi because he was a potential contender for the African National Congress (ANC) chairmanship.
Benadie said the removal of Siphosezwe Masango and Norman Mokoena from human settlements and economic development respectively was meaningless.
He accused both men of being weak leaders in all the departments they had presided over in past few years.
The recalled MECs were deployed to the provincial legislature.
The new MECs were to be sworn in at a ceremony in Secunda on Monday evening.
Mabuza's spokesman Zibonele Mncwango said the reshuffle was conducted to “strengthen capacity where it (was) needed”.
This was the second reshuffle in four years. - Sapa