Moloto takes lead in Limpopo
Dirk Nel
3 May 2004
Limpopo's new premier, Phatswana Sello Moloto, was formally elected during the inaugural session of the province's third democratic legislature in Polokwane last week.
Tshenwani Farasani was elected Speaker of the house, while Catherine Mabuza was elected Deputy Speaker.
The legislature's 49 members comprise 45 from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and four members of opposition parties.
At his inauguration as premier later last week, Moloto announced several changes to the provincial executive which will serve for the next five years. While most senior members retained their positions, two newcomers were appointed in the posts of transport and health.
Stan Motimele takes over the transport porfolio vacated by Farisani, while businessman Charles Sekoeti brings his management skills to the health portfolio vacated by the new premier.
Joe Maswanganyi (housing and provincial affairs) and Rosina Semenya (sport, arts and
culture) have exchanged the positions they previously held, while Thaba Mufamadi (finance and tourism), Collins Chabane (public works), Joyce Mashamba (education), Dikeledi Magadzi (safety and security), and Aaron Motsoaledi (agriculture) have all been retained in their posts.
Moloto said several principles influenced the final composition of Limpopo's new executive council, including the gender issue, the necessity for continuity and sustained service delivery, the matter of experience, and the diversity of skills available.
Priorities identified
The Limpopo government has identified health care, housing and job creation as key priorities for the next five years in a publication highlighting some of the government's achievements, challenges and targets.
In the publication, issued last week, the provincial government outlines its commitment to improved health services, the creation of more and better-equipped care centres, and
additional training for its personnel.
It points out that a large portion of its R248-million building grant will be invested over several years in the construction of houses.
The housing programme is seen as a training and job creation opportunity, with 200 selected young people set to receive funding to pursue qualifications in building. It is hoped that these contractors will move on to establish their own companies and employ their own workers.
Another mega project to create jobs in the province will be a R200-million road maintenance scheme.
As Limpopo is known for its excellent wildlife and wilderness areas, conservation and environmental management will also receive special attention. The government has also identified the fight against malaria, which is still prevalent in pockets of low-lying areas in the province, for a drastic step-up.
Source: BuaNews
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