LIMPOPO
Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has moved to reset her administration with a major shake-up of the provincial cabinet, announcing a reconstituted Provincial Executive Council (PEC).
The reshuffle, which took effect on Wednesday 2 September 2026, marks the first overhaul of the PEC since Ramathuba took office in July 2024 at the start of the seventh administration.
Premier Ramathuba has appointed ten Members of the Members of Executive Council (MECs) to lead various portfolios. Basikopo Makamu will head the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, while Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya retains the Education portfolio.
Florence Radzilani takes over Social Development, and Nakedi Kekana has been appointed to lead Transport and Community Safety.
Dr Tshitereke Matibe has been entrusted with Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, and Kgabo Mahoai will lead the Provincial Treasury as MEC for Finance.
Ernest Rachoene will oversee Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, and Constance Kupa-Mabuza has been appointed MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture.
Pule Shayi will head Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, while Eddie Maila has been appointed as MEC for Health.
Maila, Kupa-Mabuza and Shai, were sworn-in during the proceedings as new Members of Executive Council, who have joined the provincial cabinet as part of the Premier Ramathuba’s strategic realignment.
According to the Premier’s Office, the strategic realignment comes after a rigorous assessment of the performance of the Executive Council. The assessment was conducted in response to feedback and the lived experiences of Limpopo residents and is intended to ensure the administration meets the highest requirements for operational efficiency and service provision.
Announcing the changes, Premier Ramathuba said the decision was not taken lightly but was a necessary step to accelerate the province’s developmental agenda. She thanked the outgoing members of the Executive Council and said each member of the previous council had worked tirelessly to advance the ideals and goals of the administration.
Ramathuba extended her sincere gratitude to those who served with dedication to make Limpopo a better place for all.
The Premier stated that government must constantly evaluate its progress and that there is always room for improvement. She said to better serve the people, the team must be agile, focused and ready to meet the evolving demands of the province.
Ramathuba acknowledged that Limpopo faces significant structural challenges. These include high levels of unemployment, persistent poverty and hurdles in accessing basic services. She challenged the newly reconstituted Executive Council to view these challenges not as obstacles but as urgent mandates.
She told the new Executive Council that the people of Limpopo are watching and waiting for results. She said the administration is there to serve and its success will be measured by its ability to turn around the lives of ordinary residents in villages, townships and towns. She added that the administration must be characterized by work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to inclusive growth.
The Premier has expressed confidence that this refreshed team will provide the necessary leadership to stabilise service provision and drive sustainable economic growth across the province.