Two new Northern Cape MECs were announced on Tuesday: Mangaliso Matika has been appointed as the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, while Limakatso Koloi will serve as the MEC for Transport, Safety, and Liaison.
TWO NEW Northern Cape MECs were announced on Tuesday: Mangaliso Matika has been appointed as the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, while Limakatso Koloi will serve as the MEC for Transport, Safety, and Liaison.
Matika vacates his position as deputy secretary of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature (NCPL), where he also served as the chairperson of Ethics and Conduct, chair of the Standing Committee on Internal Arrangements, and chair of the Programming Committee.
Koloi previously held the position of chairperson of the Portfolio on Health and Social Development and was a member of the NCPL.
The head of staff in the Office of the Speaker, Epang Matolweni, said that no replacements had yet been made for the vacant positions at the NCPL.
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul had merged several departments following the 2024 general elections to “streamline operations and optimise resources,” reducing the number of MECs from 10 to seven.
Prior to this week’s new appointments, the MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, also oversaw the Department of Transport, Safety, and Liaison. Similarly, the MEC for Social Development, Nontobeka Vilikazi, simultaneously served as the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture.
Saul explained that the new appointments would ensure that “government is strategically positioned to deliver services effectively and address the pressing needs of our communities”.
“The appointments followed an extensive period of consultation, rigorous evaluation, and assessment to align the leadership structure with the challenges and opportunities before us. Expanding the executive council will enhance the capacity of this government to meet its mandate. These appointments are not merely about adding positions but also about strategically positioning expertise where it is most needed to drive meaningful change,” said Saul.
“As we face increasingly complex demands in service delivery, it is imperative to have a leadership team that is not only diverse and capable but also firmly committed to achieving the goals of a modern, growing, and successful Northern Cape. The two appointees embody this vision and bring with them proven track records of excellence, dedication and an unwavering focus on public service.”
Saul said Matika was charged with the transformation of the sport, arts and culture sector, promoting diverse artistic linguistic richness in the Province and preserving cultural heritage.
“His extensive experience positions him as the ideal leader to advance initiatives that uplift and unite our communities.
“Koloi will assume leadership of the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison. She will play a pivotal role in fostering a secure environment and advancing transport facilities in the Northern Cape. Her extensive background and commitment to safety and infrastructure development make her an invaluable addition to the executive council,” Saul added.
