The Mpumalanga Cabinet Media Statement
17 December 2009
Mpumalanga Executive Council saddened by the death of former Minister of Health
The Mpumalanga Executive Council wishes to convey deepest condolences to the family, friends, comrades and colleagues of the former Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala Msimang at her untimely death this week.
The Executive Council conveyed this message at its last provincial cabinet meeting in 2009 held today (17 December 2009).
Former Minister Tshabalala Msimang passed away on the 16 December 2009 at the Wits Medical Centre in Johannesburg.
She dedicated her whole life to the liberation struggle of all South Africans and served the South African government in various responsibilities after the 1994 democratic elections.
Her commitment and dedication to the liberation of the majority of South Africans will always be cherished, remembered and celebrated.
She left for exile at a young age to join the ANC in exile and performed her duties with dedication and distinction.
The former Minister played a major role in the transformation of the health care industry in the country. She fought the pharmaceutical companies to provide cheaper drugs and medicine in the country, especially for the poor.
The former Minister was a gender activist, dedicated to the course of liberation of women and fighting for the abuse of children and the elderly.
The Extension of Section 139 in Mkhondo and Seme Local Municipalities
The Mpumalanga Executive Council has approved the extension of the section 139 (1)(b) intervention in Mkhondo local municipality for a three months period, ending 31st March 2010.
The reason for the extension is that the municipal manager and the chief financial officer resigned and 14 other officials were suspended as a result of the Section 106 investigation which was conducted in the municipality after the revoking of Section 139 in June 2009.
The Executive Council further received a progress report on the winding down of the provincial government’s intervention in Seme Local Municipality, therefore it resolved to extend section 139 (1)(b) for a one month period.
Section 139 (1)(b) was revoked in February this year after
complains of maladministration, nepotism and corruption leveled against the
municipal administration by the community.
Reflections on the last six months and the road ahead
The Executive Council also reflected on its work for the past six months. The Executive Council reflected that although the administration experienced some turbulent landing at the time, the Executive Council appreciates the work that has already been undertaken.
The Executive Council has also resolved to continue to
work closely together with municipalities to fast track service delivery.
The Executive Council would also like to wish all the people of the province and the country a happy festive holidays and a prosperous New Year. Motorists are advised to be always respecting the laws of the roads and obey the speed limits, “do not drink and drive, arrive alive.”
The appointments
The Executive Council approved the following appointments:
- Mr. D Motau as Director: Internal Audit for Health and Social Development
- Mr. J Mudau as Director: Financial Accounting for the Department of Health and Social Development.
Inquiries:
Mabutho Sithole
Premier Spokesperson
Cell: +27 82 389 3348
Tel: +27 13 766 2055
Email: mabutho@prem.mpu.gov.za
Issued by the Office of the Premier-Mpumalanga Provincial Government