DA raises red flag over new Limpopo MECs linked to VBS and New York building sagas

The youngest Limpopo MEC, 35 year old MEC for Roads and Public Works Ernest Rachoene,receives an appointment letter from Premier Phophi Ramathuba. (Photo:Rudzani Tshivhase)

By Rudzani Tshivhase

23 Jun 2024

The DA in Limpopo has red-flagged the appointment of two of the 10 MEC’s appointed by premier Phophi Ramathuba last week.

On Tuesday, 10 MECs – an equal split between men and women – were sworn in before Limpopo Judge President George Phatudi at the Ranch Hotel outside Polokwane. Among them was Kgabo Mahoai, former acting director-general in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation who has been appointed MEC in the provincial treasury.

He was dismissed by the department after he was allegedly involved in the irregular authorisation of the purchase of a piece of land in New York for R118-million. Mahoai is challenging his dismissal at the CCMA and at the Labour Court.

In a statement issued by the DA in the Limpopo legislature, the party’s caucus leader, Lindy Wilson, raised the red flag: “More concerning is the appointment of Kgabo Mahoai as the MEC of treasury. Mahoai was axed by the Directorate of International Relations and Cooperation for an irregular expenditure of R118-million to obtain land in New York, which never materialised. Mahoai has now been given the cookie jar of the province and will manage its finances. Clearly, he is an unsuitable candidate given his history.”

Wilson also questioned the redeployment of ANC provincial deputy chairperson Florence Radzilani. The former MEC for transport and community safety under premier Stanley Mathabatha, Radzilani has been reappointed by Ramathuba to be the MEC for social development. “Re-elected Florence Radzilani, as MEC for social development, is a red flag for the DA. Radzilani was called out on the VBS heist in an ongoing investigation, but she is called upon to manage a critical portfolio with a large budget,” said Wilson.

Florence Radzilani Limpopo Paul Mashatile celebrating with Florence Radzilani and Chupu Stan Mathabatha at the ANC’s 10th provincial conference held at the Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, Limpopo on 4 June 2022. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla / Daily Maverick)

The Office of the Premier indicated it has noted the labour relations matter between Mahoai and his erstwhile employer, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Limpopo provincial government spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela said the premier is convinced that there is nothing wrong with his appointment.

“The province further noted that the process is still continuing where Mr Mohoai is challenging the validity of his dismissal through arbitration and subsequently the Labour Court. The premier is convinced that since Mr Mahoai has not been charged for corruption, or criminally charged on the matter, there is nothing in law that prevents his appointment to the Executive Council,” said Ramakuela.

For years Limpopo has been making headlines in connection with the collapse of Venda Mutual Bank (VBS). Some municipalities invested millions in the bank, an exercise which was found by the South African Reserve Bank to be unlawful. Several officials from various municipalities were charged and arrested, while others are part of court processes.

Radzilani was mayor of Vhembe District Municipality when the council invested R300-million in VBS. The money was later recovered. She stepped aside and was later cleared, although investigations into the saga continue.

Youngest member

A 35-year-old ANC Youth League chairperson in Limpopo, Ernest Rachoene, is the youngest MEC in the new executive. Four of the members served at the previous cabinet under former premier Mathabatha, while six are new. The latter are from the ANC as the governing party in the province. Sixty-two members of the Limpopo legislature were sworn in last week.

The youngest Limpopo MEC, 35-year-old MEC for roads and public works Ernest Rachoene, receives his appointment letter from premier Phophi Ramathuba. (Photo: Rudzani Tshivhase)

Rachoene, who hails from Ga-Mphahlele tribal area outside Lebowakgomo, said as MEC for roads and public works he would prioritise fixing potholes, road maintenance and construction throughout the province.

First woman premier

Ramathuba, a medical doctor by profession, made history this week when she was named the first female premier since democracy in Limpopo.

Read more in Daily Maverick: King-size splurge – Limpopo traditional leaders to get new wheels worth millions

Her cabinet has been described by many as a balanced gender-equity executive which includes young people.

At the presentation of her executive Ramathuba said: “The individuals I have appointed to the executive council bring a wealth of experience, dedication and a deep commitment to serving our people. They have been [selected] for their proven track record, their expertise in their respective fields, and their unwavering commitment to the values and principles that underpin our democracy.”

The new executive members are:

Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya (education);

Mashego Dieketseng Masesi (health);

Basikop Makamu (cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs. Makamu is also the deputy secretary of the ANC in Limpopo;

Florence Radzilani (social development). She is deputy chairperson of the ANC in Limpopo;

Jerry Maseko (sport, arts and culture), who is former regional secretary of the ANC in the Sekhukhune district;

Kgabo Mahoai (provincial treasury), who was one of senior managers in the Department of International Relations;

Ernest Rachoene (public works);

Grace Nakedi Kekana (agriculture). She is also treasurer of the ANC in Limpopo;

Violet Mathye (transport and community safety); and

Tshitereke Matibe, former Vhembe mayor, deputy speaker of the provincial legislature.

Basic services needed

EFF Limpopo chairperson Lawrence Mapaulo said his party congratulates the new MECs and wishes them well. He said what the EFF wants is for ordinary residents of Limpopo to receive basic services such as water, and jobs.

The biggest public sector trade union, Nehawu, also congratulated the new members of the executive. Provincial spokesperson Mosses Maubane said his union hopes they will work together with employees to take basic services to communities.

Public administration students from the Tshwane University of Technology’s Polokwane campus, Adam Mphahlele and Mpho Mofefe, said they were happy that the executive includes young people.

That MEC Rachoane chairs the ANC Youth League gave them hope that the aspirations of young people would be catered for.

“As young people we also want to have contracts within government departments so that we can create jobs,” they said.

Independent political analyst Lucas Maponya complimented Ramathuba for appointing a balanced executive.

Trade union federation Cosatu in the province said its members were not included in the executive and it would seek a meeting with the premier. DM

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