Ex-ANC MECs who were booted out of the KwaZulu-Natal government of provincial unity led by the IFP are back in the bigger scheme of things.
This time, they have been roped in as chairpersons of various portfolios in the KZN provincial legislature.
They include among them Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, the ex-MEC for sports, arts and culture. He has been assigned to be chair of chairs. Mbali Fraser, who was axed as education MEC, will now head the committee on premier affairs.
The agriculture portfolio committee will be overseen by ex-cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi.
Super Zuma, who was MEC for agriculture in the sixth administration, will now chair the same portfolio in the legislature.
Over 30% plummet compared to the 2019 elections
Notably, former Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s name was omitted, as was that of former social development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza.
“The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is determined to play an effective oversight role. This… to ensure the success of the provincial government of provincial unity.
Party provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo said on Tuesday: “Judging by the calls, there is a bubbling feeling of optimism. [Particularly] following the election of these leaders in their respective portfolios.”
The once-majority party in the province saw its electoral support dip below 20% in the recent elections. An over 30% plummet compared to the 2019 national and provincial elections.
The results brought an abrupt end to the ANC’s 20-year reign. It toppled the IFP in 2004 to call the shots and control the budget of just over R150-billion.
End to ANC’s 20-year reign in the province
During the legislature sitting on Tuesday, party spokesperson Mafika Mndebele was given a new role. He was announced as chairperson of the portfolio committee on economic development and tourism. Sizophila Mkhize was given the responsibilities of sports, arts and culture.
Hlengiwe Mavimbela, who was an MEC for sports, arts and culture, was also brought back. This time as the whip along with another ANC member of the provincial executive, Celiwe Madlopha.
The chairperson for quality of life became Fikile Masiko. Another former MEC, Mthandeni Dlungwane, will chair the portfolio committee on finance.
Grateful to Government of Provincial Unity partners
The party also heaped praises on the IFP, DA and NFP. It said the parties “demonstrated to inspire hope for a better future”.
“Critically, we salute them for respecting the house and its rules today. You have displayed your [unwavering] commitment. That of working towards building a strong, efficient, accountable and responsive state,” the party said.
The ANC was relegated to the third-biggest party in the legislature with 14 seats. It shed 30 seats from its previous tally. The party was rewarded with three cabinet positions in the IFP-led 7th administration. Together with the DA and NFP, it forged a pact to govern KwaZulu-Natal.
