ByBAKANG MOKOTO
19 August 2026 – The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said following thorough consultations, he decided to accept the resignation of the Northern Cape MEC for Public Works and Roads, Fufe Makatong. Saul extended his sincere appreciation to Makatong for her service to the people of the Northern Cape during her tenure as a Member of the Executive Council (MEC).
He further thanks Makatong for her contribution to the work of the provincial government and wishes her success in all her future endeavours. Saul added that the resignation of Makatong has necessitated a reshuffling of the current Executive
Council.
“So, I have accordingly appointed the Bentley Vass as MEC responsible for Roads and Public Works, Lebogang Motlhaping as MEC responsible for Cooperative Governance, Human
Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Newreen Klaaste as MEC responsible for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural
Development and Land Reform and Mirriam Kibi as MEC in the Premier’s Office, responsible for Children, Women,
Youth and Persons living with Disabilities.
“These changes take place at an important time for the Northern Cape, as the province
continues to make significant progress in growing its economy, creating employment and
improving the lives of its people,” he said.
Saul said the province has recorded the highest decline in unemployment in the country in the second
quarter of 2026. He said according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Quarter 2 of 2026, the
province’s unemployment rate stands at 28.7%, representing a 1.7 percentage-point decrease from the previous quarter and a 4 percentage-point decrease compared to the same period
last year.
“This progress is a clear indication that we are making major strides in our efforts to expand economic opportunities and create sustainable employment for the people of the Northern
Cape.
“While we welcome this positive development, we recognise that much more work
remains to be done, particularly in addressing the high levels of unemployment among young
people and ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful opportunities across all
communities,” said Saul.
He said they remain focused and firmly committed to achieving their targets of growing the Northern
Cape economy to a R200 billion GDP and creating 60,000 new and sustainable jobs by 2030. Saul said reshuffling of the Executive Council is therefore intended to further strengthen the capacity
of the provincial government to respond to the challenges facing the province, accelerate the
implementation of government programmes and build on the progress already achieved.
“Therefore, I call on all Members of the Executive Council and the public service to
continue working with dedication, integrity and urgency in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to
them by the people of this province.
“The Northern Cape Provincial Government remains committed to being of service to the
people of the Northern Cape,” said Saul.
The Guardian 