Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul has reshuffled his executive council following the resignation of MEC Fufe Makatong, with four new appointments.
The move is aimed at strengthening the provincial government’s capacity to accelerate service delivery and economic growth.
Saul, following consultations, accepted Makatong’s resignation and thanked her for her contribution to the provincial government during her tenure as a member of the executive council.
The reshuffle sees Bentley Vass appointed MEC for Roads and Public Works, while Lebogang Motlhaping takes over Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.
Newreen Klaaste has been appointed MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, while Mirriam Kibi joins the premier’s office, where she will be responsible for Children, Women, Youth and Persons Living with Disabilities.
The changes come as the Northern Cape government points to a decline in unemployment and renewed efforts to expand economic opportunities in the province.
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2026, the Northern Cape recorded the country’s largest decline in unemployment, with its unemployment rate falling to 28.7%.
This represents a 1.7 percentage-point decrease from the previous quarter and a four percentage-point decline compared with the same period last year.
The provincial government described the figures as an indication of progress in its efforts to expand economic opportunities and create sustainable employment.
However, it acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly the high levels of youth unemployment and ensuring that economic growth translates into opportunities across communities.
The provincial government has set a target of growing the Northern Cape economy to a R200 billion gross domestic product and creating 60 000 new and sustainable jobs by 2030.
Saul said the reshuffle was intended to strengthen the capacity of the provincial government to respond to the challenges facing the province and accelerate the implementation of its programmes.
The changes are also expected to build on the progress already achieved in areas such as employment and economic development.
The premier called on the newly appointed MECs, other members of the executive and public servants to continue carrying out their responsibilities with dedication, integrity and urgency.
The Northern Cape Provincial Government said it remained committed to serving the people of the province and delivering on its development priorities.
