By Khethiwe Mndawe
Mpumalanga 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 going to court or not,” Ndlovu said.
Former Premier Tsipane also issued a statement distancing herself from Ntombela, saying she never authorised any extension beyond September 2024.
Another scandal prompting the reshuffle involved the Education Department, where senior officials came under fire two months ago for spending over R1 million on a handful of staff laptops.
New appointments announced
Premier Ndlovu announced four new Members of the Executive Council (MECs), pledging they would help advance the province’s priorities of inclusive growth, ethical leadership and improved service delivery:
Lindi Lettie Masina – MEC for Education: tasked with rolling out a province-wide e-learning strategy starting in 2026, including provision of tablets to Grade 10 learners and engaging parents, teachers and unions in the process.
Jester Sidell – MEC for Economic Development and Tourism: assigned to revitalise tourism products, routes, and support SMEs, as well as oversee industrial tourism initiatives like the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone.
Khethiwe Moeketsi – MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs: responsible for supporting local farmers, reviving abandoned agricultural projects, and ensuring the successful operation of the Mpumalanga International Food Market.
Nompumelelo Hlophe – MEC for Social Development: mandated to improve support for NPOs, and oversee construction of state-run residential facilities receiving social grants.
Premier Ndlovu expressed confidence in the new MECs, saying: “These changes reflect our determination to build a capable, ethical and developing province that creates jobs, reduces poverty and improves lives.”
The reshuffle has been widely seen as an attempt by Ndlovu to restore credibility and tighten oversight following a string of governance failures.
