N Cape acting premier announced

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Pretoria - MEC for Education Grizelda Cjiekella has been appointed acting Premier of the Northern Cape while Hazel Jenkins recovers in hospital.

Jenkins collapsed while delivering her State of the Province Address at the Revival Christian Church on Friday. The premier had suffered a mild stroke and was rushed to the Kimberley Hospital.

She is still receiving treatment from a specialist team of doctors at the hospital.

Cjiekella is expected to open the legislature and deliver the State of the Province Address on Wednesday. The decision to continue with the address was taken by the provincial executive council after her appointment.

On Sunday, President Jacob Zuma wished Jenkins a speedy recovery. "We have been assured of Premier Jenkins' improvement since the unfortunate episode and are certain that she is on the road to recovery," said President Zuma.