A major shake-up is expected to hit the Limpopo provincial government today, with Premier Phophi Ramathuba reportedly preparing to reshuffle her executive and remove several MECs from their current portfolios.
According to well-placed sources close to the provincial government, as many as four MECs could be affected by the changes, in what could become one of the most significant adjustments to Ramathuba’s executive since she took over as premier.
Among those reportedly facing the axe are Ernest Rachoene, who heads the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure; Violet Mathye, the MEC responsible for Roads and Public Safety; Bioskopo Makamu, who heads the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA); and Jerry Maseko, the MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture.
One source familiar with the developments said the changes were expected to be announced as Ramathuba moves to strengthen her executive and reposition members of her cabinet.
«”There will be changes today. Some MECs will be leaving their current positions and new faces will be brought into the executive,” the source said.»
The source claimed that Maseko could be replaced by Faith Sebopetsa, while Eddie Ramaila is expected to take over Makamu’s portfolio.
Another name emerging in the anticipated reshuffle is Pule Shai, who is also expected to be appointed to the provincial executive.
However, the exact portfolios that will be allocated to the incoming MECs could only be confirmed once Ramathuba officially announces the changes.
The possible removal of Rachoene, Mathye, Makamu and Maseko would represent a substantial overhaul of the provincial executive, with several key departments potentially getting new political leadership.
The reshuffle comes at a critical time for the Limpopo government, with provincial departments under pressure to improve service delivery, infrastructure development and the implementation of government programmes.
The Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, in particular, remains a crucial portfolio in a province where the condition of roads and public infrastructure continues to be a major concern for communities.
Similarly, the roads and public safety portfolio carries significant political importance, particularly as the provincial government continues to face pressure over road safety and law-enforcement challenges.
CoGHSTA is another strategically important department, overseeing issues relating to municipalities, human settlements and traditional affairs across Limpopo.
The Sports, Arts and Culture department, meanwhile, plays a central role in supporting the province’s cultural programmes, sporting development and creative industries.
Ramathuba’s decision to reshuffle her cabinet could therefore have far-reaching consequences for the administration’s political direction and service-delivery priorities.
The premier is expected to formally announce the changes today.
If the reported changes materialise, Ramathuba will emerge from the reshuffle with a significantly different executive team — and the new MECs will immediately face the challenge of proving that they can deliver on the provincial government’s promises.
Limpopo is now waiting to see who stays, who goes and who gets the call to join Ramathuba’s new-look cabinet.
