North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has announced the appointment of Galebekwe Virginia Tlhapi as the new MEC of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.

The appointment follows the resignation of Collen Maine.

The Premier cited Section 132 (2) of the Constitution, which allows the Premier to effect changes in the composition of the Provincial Executive Council (PEC).

‘I wish to take this opportunity to thank Honourable Maine for his contribution during his tenure as MEC.’

The Premier has since congratulated the new MEC, who officially assumed her responsibility with effect from Tuesday, 1 October 2024.

Tlhapi, who served as an Economic Development MEC in the previous administration, was sworn in by the Provincial Acting Judge President Hanry Peterson at Mahikeng High Court on Tuesday.

According to reports, Tlhapi’s appointment is aimed at closing the gender parity deficit in the province.

Maine was voted out as MEC in September this year to make way for a female member in the Executive Council of
the North West.

‘This after the ANC [African National Congress] National Executive Committee instructed its North West and Mpumalanga structures to appoint more women as MECs because the provinces were led by male Premiers,’ the City Press reported.

Maine has since been redeployed to the position of Deputy Speaker in the provincial legislature.

Source: South African Government News Agency