Cabinet extends Government Spokesperson's contract

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Pretoria - Cabinet has extended the contract of the Government Spokesperson Themba Maseko for a further three years.

Mr Maseko is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Commenting on Cabinet's decision to extend his contract on Thursday, Mr Maseko told BuaNews that he was happy about this decision.

"It is an expression of confidence that my team and I have done a good job communicating to the public," he said, adding that he conceded that it was a tough position to hold.

"It's a tough job and three years is a long time. But, I was asked to do it and I will continue to serve government to the best of my ability," said Mr Maseko.

His contract will be extended with effect from 1 July.

Mr Maseko was appointed in the two-fold position in 2007, taking over the reins from Joel Netshitenzhe, who joined the Presidency's policy and advisory unit.

He was prior to his appointment at GCIS, the Director General of the Department of Public Works.

Meanwhile, Ms Phumla Williams has been appointed as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in the Centralised Services branch at the GCIS.

Ms Williams, who takes over the position from Ilva Mackay, holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from UNISA. She worked for the ANC from 1980-1994 in various capacities, before joining the Gauteng Provincial Government.

She joined the GCIS in 1999, where she has been the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the past eight years.

"I feel honored and excited to have to take over a branch that was well managed," Ms Williams told BuaNews.

"The challenge for me would be to take these successes to higher levels and strive to make an efficient and effective support division for the department."