By Khethiwe MndaweMpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has announced sweeping changes to his Provincial Executive Council as part of a broader push to rebuild ethical governance and drive inclusive growth.
Speaking at a press briefing in Mbombela on Monday, Ndlovu said the reshuffle follows a series of scandals that have shaken public trust, particularly in the Departments of Education and Sports, Arts and Culture.
Premier Ndlovu expressed confidence in the newly appointed MECs, emphasizing that these changes are aligned with the province’s apex priorities of driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state
The most controversial incident involved former Head of Department (HOD) for Sports, Arts and Culture, Godfrey Ntombela, who was dismissed after it was discovered he forged former Premier Refilwe Tsipane’s digital signature to unlawfully extend his employment contract until 2027. The forged contract came to light when the Provincial Commissioner, Zeph Mkhwanazi, confirmed the fraud.
Ntombela, whose official contract expired in February 2025, rejected an extension offer from Premier Ndlovu, insisting that his contract ran until 2027 — a claim proven false. “We stand without a contract with him and he has been immediately dismissed, whether he is...
