"As Premier, I am very aware of the history of political instability and uncertainty in the Western Cape Government. When the ANC was tasked to lead this government following the 2004 elections, we committed ourselves to running a stable government to the benefit of all the people in the Western Cape.
"Indeed, not only did this government remain unchanged for 14 months, within those 14 months we have seen a zeal for delivery within very specified timeframes. Such delivery had a very definite positive impact on the people of the Western Cape. Every portfolio contributed to a positive sense of delivery.
"In most respects the functioning of this Provincial Government is fundamentally sound. It is striving to fulfill a vision of making the Western Cape a Home for All. The need for this has never been greater in the light of many debates and emotions which have been stirred in the last while, as people grapple with issues of race, culture and language."The need to implement iKapa Elihlumayo, our strategy to grow and share the Cape equitably among all people, is even more urgent.
"In a short time we have done much to create and save jobs, to build houses, to fight crime and drugs, to distribute social security benefits, to combat disease and shorten waiting times at hospitals, to build schools and change curricula, to drive land reform, and generally ensure a better life for all our people.
"These now require to be made sustainable, to be turned into strategies with long lasting benefits. We live in a Province with great potential, and the government of this Province needs to be dedicated to the realization of the potential, and to contribute to preventing the phenomenon of service delivery protests by the very poor in our Province.
"It is my firm belief that the changes we need to make to this government must be minimal, and must not disrupt the momentum this government already has. Too drastic a change will send out an underserved message of insecurity and uncertainty. We are neither insecure nor uncertain. We are fundamentally on the right path.
"Also, in the delicate politics of the Western Cape, this government has to show that it in itself constitutes a Home for All, that it is possible for Coloureds, Africans and Whites, for men and women, for people of different cultural and religious backgrounds to work together in pursuit of a common goal - the better life that all people want. A government reflecting all people, serving all the communities of the Western Cape, actively uniting us in our diversity, is the best riposte to those who recklessly stereotype and insult any community. This government will simply redouble its efforts to build this Home for All. It is more urgent than ever before that every community in this Province be affirmed.
"In making changes to cabinet, we are also avoiding any changes which would have the effect of reconstituting the departments of the Administration. The Departments are the result, so far, of our efforts of transformation, and any further transformation will be within departments, but the departments need to consolidate their current stability.
"The changes in cabinet, therefore, are aimed at strengthening government, and accelerating the implementation of government policy. The changes are the result essentially of 3 imperatives:
1. The resignation of Mr. Mcebisi Skwatsha to take up his post as Provincial Secretary as stipulated in the ANC's Constitution;
2. The resolution by the Presidential Co-ordinating Council that Treasury and Economic Development not resort under a single political or administrative leadership; and
3. The need to ensure the optimal functioning of the Cultural Affairs and Sport portfolio in the Western Cape.
"The sum total of all of these results tomorrow at 09:00 that two new Provincial Ministers will be sworn in by the Cape Judge-President, John Hlophe. They are Mr. Whitey Jacobs for Cultural Affairs and Sport, and Mr. Richard Dyantyi for Local Government and Housing.
"The Western Cape Cabinet will from tomorrow be constituted as follows:
Leonard Ramatlakane: Community Safety
Lynne Brown: Finance and Tourism
Marius Fransman: Transport and Public Works
Pierre Uys: Health
Kholeka Mqulwana: Social Services and Poverty Alleviation
Tasneem Essop: Environment, Planning and Economic Development
Cobus Dowry: Agriculture
Cameron Dugmore: Education
Whitey Jacobs: Cultural Affairs and Sport
Richard Dyantyi: Local Government and Housing
"Any further adjustments will be minor and relate to matters of greater co-ordination and will be informed by the outcome of the Provincial Cabinet Lekgotla in August. I have absolute confidence that the Cabinet team will do their work well, and that the momentum of government will now be unstoppable."
For any further input or clarification please contact: Clayton Wakeford
Clayton Wakeford
Acting Provincial Head of Communications
Office of the Premier of the Western Cape iKhaya Lethu Sonke ~ A Home for All ~ 'n Tuiste vir Almal
www.capegateway.gov.za
