Public Works MEC Pemmy Majodina says she is pleased by the appointment of Mahlubandile Qwase as the new acting head of department (HoD) and is optimistic that the good rapport between them will steer the ship in the right direction.
Next week Qwase takes over the reins as administration boss of public works in the Eastern Cape on an interim basis, after James Mlawu’s contract came to an end..
A former MEC for education, Qwase comes to the post as a seasoned government administrator in the province.
Majodina said she was hopeful they would take the department to new heights.
“Qwase is one of the seasoned cadres in the administration of the Eastern Cape and everyone is well aware of his vast experience,” said Majodina
“I welcome his acting appointment. A man of his experience understands government in and out politically and administratively. With the three months in an acting position I am optimistic that we will be able to do well as a department.
“I have worked with him personally at a political level when he was the deputy provincial secretary of the ANC and he was also my colleague in the exco when he was MEC for education,” she said.
“He is a loyal, committed and seasoned servant of our people.
“And he knows the boundaries between administration and political office.
“Most importantly, he is that one person who is always willing to read and understand. He is very passionate and energetic, a common trait between the two of us.”
Qwase has a mammoth task ahead and will have to hit the ground running if he is to turn around the department’s fortunes. On his desk will be a legislature portfolio committee report which found that:
lAlthough the department has found a number of properties to be identified for revenue generation , there is no estimate of the revenue to be generated by these properties;
lThe procurement-related impediments to the Bhisho precinct, still remain a great concern to the committee given the strategic importance of the project;
lSchools that are closed down as a result of a rationalisation process are left without security and are being vandalised; and
lThere are government properties that are illegally occupied. This deprives the government the opportunity to derive revenue out of rentals.
Qwase could not be reached for comment at the time of writing yesterday as his mobile phone rang unanswered and did not respond to text messages.
He is due to report for duty on Monday. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za..