Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane has filled key vacant government positions following the appointment of four heads of department (HoDs) on Sunday, March 16.
In her 2022/23 audit report outcomes, Auditor-General (AG) Tsakani Maluleke expressed concern about the provincial government’s failure to fill vacant leadership positions in several provincial government departments.
Sharon Marsdorp, who has been serving as an acting head of the provincial Department of Education (ECDoE), has been appointed on a permanent basis. Bonginkosi Dayimani is now the head of the department (HoD) for the provincial Department of Agriculture, while Edmund Venn is now the Department of Human Settlements’ new HoD.
Penny Penxa replaces former Public Works and Infrastructure HoD, Thandolwethu Manda, who was placed on special leave following sexual harassment charges against him.
Mickey Mama, the Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism HoD’s contract, has been renewed.
The recruitment process for the heads of department for Community Safety and Liaison, Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) is currently underway.
Speaking during the announcement of the new HoDs, Mabuyane urged the newly appointed HoDs to remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical leadership: “As we welcome our new heads of departments, I urge them to embrace this opportunity to serve our people with dedication, integrity, and passion.
“Let us work together to strengthen government as a whole and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our citizens, where everyone has access to opportunities, resources, and services,” said Mabuyane.
The appointments reaffirm the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening leadership and governance and attempt to ensure that the provincial administration is guided by capable and dedicated professionals.
