The Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, has wielded the axe just a year into the 7th administration and fired the embattled former MEC for Education, Cathy Dlamini.

Dlamini, who presided over the R2 million laptop scandal and allegedly shielded the officials who are fingered, was replaced by Lindi Masina, the outgoing Speaker of the Mpumalanga provincial legislature.

Masina’s position would be taken over by Makhosazana Masilela.

Ndlovu told Masina that among the immediate tasks for the department is a pass rate of 90 percent for the matric class of 2025, advancing enrollment of learners for Maths and Science and championing e-learning.

Ndlovu named Jester Sidell as the new MEC for Economic Development and Tourism. She replaces Masilela, who is now the Speaker.

He tasked her with immediately convening the mining and investment indaba in the province, the Marine Scope cable car project, and the Hazyview waterways, as well as getting the Nkomazi special economic zone operational.

Ndlovu named Khethiwe Moeketsi as the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development and Environmental Affairs. He tasked her with the successful operation of the Mpumalanga food market with immediate effect, as that project is one of the achievements he would leave behind.

He also tasked her with helping small farmers to have access to land, infrastructure, inputs finance and extension services.

Nompumello Hlophe has been announced as the new MEC for Social Development, and her immediate task, according to Ndlovu, is to improve social assistance in the province and to protect the elderly, amongst others.

Ndlovu also announced that Godrefery Ntombela, the HoD (Head of Department) for the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, has been axed.

Ndlovu announced the changes to his provincial cabinet this morning in Mbombela, the capital city of Mpumalanga, on Tuesday morning.