Western Cape's new cabinet for seventh administration

The first sitting of the 7th Parliament of the Western Cape took place on Thursday, 13 June.

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde has been re-elected after the Democratic Alliance has majority of the provincial vote in the general elections. Premier Winde has served in his current position since 2019.

“It is a profound honour and privilege that I have been given. In my first term of office, we achieved so much in our efforts to address the wicked problems facing this province, but I know that many of those still remain. As I crisscrossed this province I saw how many of our residents are struggling and the responsibility that we as government have to step in and provide that critical social safety net for each of them. I owe it to you our residents to work even harder as I lead this government once more,’’ said Winde.

 “We are still faced with massive challenges but with help of my Cabinet, the WCG team and the residents of this great province, we can fulfil the pledges we have made to keep growing our economy, enabling more jobs, making our province energy secure and a dignified place where all residents have the opportunities  and support that they need to thrive,’’ he added.

Premier Alan Winde announced that four MEC’s will retain their positions, and these include Infrastructure MEC, Tertuis Simmers, Anton Bredell as Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, - David Maynier will continue to be the head of education in the province, and Dr Ivan Meyer retains his position as agriculture and economic development MEC.

A few shuffles were made as Anroux Marais is no longer the sports and arts and culture MEC. This position has been filled by former Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, Marais is now the new police and oversight MEC. This as Reagen Allen was appointed deputy speaker at the Western Cape provincial parliament

Mirelle Wenger is the new Health MEC, previously headed by Nomafrench Mbombo. Wenger previously served as Finance and Economic opportunity MEC, but that post has been given to Deidre Baartman. Baartman previously served on the Western Cape’s Standing Committee on Budget Committee, as well as Education.

Two other new members joins Winde’s cabinet - Jaco Londt being the new Social Development MEC. Londt previously served as a member of the National Council of Provinces for the past decade 2014 in various select committees. This post was previously served by Sharna Fernandez.

Furthermore, Isaac Sileku has been appointed as Mobility MEC. Sileku has been a member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament since 2022. He served as deputy mayor of Theewaterskloof Municipality from 2016 – 2019.

SCREENSHOT: Facebook - Premier Alan Winde (WC MEC's for seventh administration)

Winde thanked members of his previous Cabinet who were not returning for their service and dedication to the provincial government and people of the Western Cape. He wished them well in their future endeavours.

“We must be honest with ourselves: the next 5 years will come with formidable challenges, but I firmly believe that we are ready to weather whatever crisis comes our way. As we forge ahead, I hold the values of our government close: we must be responsive, accountable and innovative in everything we do for our residents. We must move forward with renewed vigour. We have achieved so much, but much more still needs to be done.”

 

Done by: Mitchum George