The newly appointed Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee Members (MECs) were sworn in by Chief Justice George Patudi of the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane.
Prime Minister Popi Ramathuba appointed the 10-member executive body on Tuesday.
Four of the appointed MECs are from the previous Stanley Mathabatha government.
Premier Ramathuba was praised for achieving gender equality in government.
Presiding Justice Fatudi said the newly appointed MEC must abide by the laws of the country.
“The meeting has been convened in accordance with section 129 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Act No. 108 of 1996, pursuant to which the members will take their oath of office as required.”
Premier Ramathuba said the newly appointed assemblymen brought a wealth of experience and commitment to improving the lives of people in the province.
Limpopo province becomes first female premier
“I really thank my colleagues. We have to start taking action immediately. We all have to get through the first 100 days. Next week we will all be presenting to each other and we will start implementing. It's all about implementation. The talks are over. We are going to the field. People need to come to Limpopo and learn how government is run.”
The Limpopo government has moved to defend its decision to appoint Kgabo Makhoi as finance minister after he was sacked as director-general (DG) for international relations in 2021 over a R118 million tender for offices and accommodation for South African diplomats in New York, USA.
But Mahoai is challenging his dismissal in the Labour Court. DA Limpopo leader Lindy Wilson says Mahoai cannot be trusted with Limpopo's public funds.
“Frankly, we have serious concerns about the Cabinet she has announced, particularly the finance minister. He is the same person who was asked by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for R118 million worth of mis-expenditure to buy land in New York, which is a red flag for us.”
Limpopo provincial spokesperson Ndabe Ramakuela hit back at the criticism, saying the High Court had acquitted Mahoai.
“I am aware that there were employees who were dismissed through what were deemed to be redundancy procedures and that matter was handled through the Ministry of International Relations. The process used by the Chief Minister to select members of the state assembly is her prerogative. They are selected on the basis of names received from the state assembly.”
