Johannesburg - The Democratic Alliance in Mpumalanga on Friday expressed concerns about the appointment of some MECs.
Some had been rewarded for their political loyalties and not their governance skills or experience, DA provincial leader Anthony Benadie claimed.
Gillion Mashego's appointment as health MEC was shocking, he said.
“Mashego has no experience in public office or the health sector. Implicated in tender irregularities during the Pilgrim's Rest flawed tender process, his appointment is more than likely a move by (premier David) Mabuza to pacify a deeply divided Bohlabela region of the ANC,” Benadie said.
Human settlements MEC Violet Siwela had been put in charge of a department far behind on its delivery targets. The DA feared that under her leadership the housing crisis in Mpumalanga would never be solved.
“Newly appointed MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs Refilwe Mtsweni lacks the skill or strength of character to manage a complex portfolio,” Benadie said.
He said the provincial executive could only be described as a collection of yes-men and women, whose sole task was to tighten the grip of power and influence sought by Mabuza.
However, the DA welcomed changes made in some departments.
“We welcome the premier's decision to split the departments of health and social development into two portfolios, as both present their own unique challenges, and require their respective MECs' undivided attention,” Benadie said.
The DA embraced the merger of the departments of finance and economic development, as efficient government spending on all levels would act as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
Sapa