Pretoria – Premier Senzo Mchunu has committed to take service delivery to the next level in KwaZulu-Natal, with a special focus on interaction between government and the people.
Mchunu was addressing a crowd of more than 12 000 people on Monday, who attended his inauguration as the province’s Premier.
“This is what democracy is all about - giving the citizens the platforms and tools to assess the performance of the government they elected.
“Government departments, government entities and municipalities will be subjected to the citizens’ satisfaction survey, which will be carried out in partnership with leaders of various communities and big business,” Premier Mchunu told the cheering crowd.
Premier Mchunu was sworn in by KwaZulu-Natal Judge President Chiman Patel after his re-election by the KZN Legislature last Wednesday.
After his swearing in, he announced the Members of the Executive Council, who will act as champions of service delivery during this term of office.
The appointment of MECs saw most of the previous MECs return to their portfolios, with two new MECs coming in.
Belinda Scott was appointed the new MEC for Finance taking over from Ina Cronje, whilst Cyril Xaba took over Agriculture and Rural Development from Meshack Hadebe, who is now the Deputy Speaker of the legislature.
Other MECs, who retain their portfolios, are:
1. MEC for Education - Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni
2. MEC for Health - Dr Sbongiseni Maxwel Dhlomo
3. MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison - Willies Mchunu
4. MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation - Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha
5. MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - Nomusa Dube Ncube
6. MEC Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs - Michael Mabuyakhulu
7. MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works - Ravi Pillay
8. MEC for Social Development - Weziwe Thusi
Lydia Johnson also retained her portfolio as the speaker of the KZN Provincial Legislature.
Premier Mchunu said the members will ensure the implementation of the priorities highlighted in the electoral manifesto of the African National Congress, as the ruling party.
“I want to assure the Judge President and the people of KwaZulu-Natal in general that as elected representatives of the aspirations of millions of our people, we will cast our eyes into the future with a clear understanding that failure is not an option.
“The resources of the State will be used to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable members of our society. Both elected representatives and civil servants will be expected to take pride in their work and fulfil their responsibilities of serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal as a whole.
“Importantly, this government will ensure that communities are educated to understand their rights and the quality of service they are entitled to from their government.” – SAnews.gov.za
