MAHIKENG — North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has reshuffled his Executive Council, removing Viola Motsumi from the Education portfolio and appointing Provincial Legislature Speaker Desbo Mohono as the new MEC for Education.
Premier says move aims to boost delivery
Briefing the media in Mahikeng on Wednesday, Mokgosi said the changes were intended to improve service delivery and strengthen provincial performance. The reshuffle affects three members of the Executive Council, while most MECs retain their portfolios.
As announced, Wessels Morweng has been moved from the Community Safety portfolio to Sports, Arts and Culture, a department in which he has prior experience. Morweng previously served as director for Recreation Management at the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, acted as CEO of the Mmabana Foundation, and held roles including Media Liaison Officer and Head of MEC Office.
Morweng’s former Community Safety position will be filled by Virginia Tlhapi, who becomes the province’s new MEC for that department.
Major appointments and continuity
The rest of the provincial executive remains largely unchanged. The following MECs continue in their current roles:
- Madoda Sambatha — MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development
- Gaoage Molapisi — MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs
- Bitsa Lenkopane — MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
- Kenetswe Mosenogi — MEC for Finance
- Sello Lehari — MEC for Health
- Elizabeth Mokua — MEC for Public Works and Roads
- Susanna Dantjie — MEC for Social Development
The premier framed the adjustments as targeted changes to get better outcomes from provincial government, particularly in services that affect households daily such as education and community safety.
Who moved where
| Outgoing MEC | Old Portfolio | New Appointee | New Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viola Motsumi | Education | Desbo Mohono | Education |
| Wessels Morweng | Community Safety | Wessels Morweng | Sports, Arts and Culture |
| — | — | Virginia Tlhapi | Community Safety |
Context and controversy
The removal of Motsumi comes after a recording emerged in which she made remarks described as condescending about Mokgosi during a conversation with former ANC Youth League leader Collen Maine. The source material reports the pair appeared unaware cameras were still rolling after the conversation. Maine, who was appointed MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture in 2024 but removed less than a year into that job, has since been appointed deputy speaker of the provincial legislature.
Provincial reshuffles carry political as well as administrative consequences. The education portfolio is closely watched: schools, teachers and learners in the North West often face infrastructure and resourcing challenges that require stable political leadership. The premier’s stated aim of strengthening performance puts immediate attention on Mohono’s transition from speaker to MEC and on how the department will be steered ahead of the new school year.
Practical implications for residents
For parents, learners and school staff, the reshuffle means there will be a new political head at the Department of Education responsible for provincial policies, school infrastructure projects and coordination with national education authorities. Community safety matters will likewise see new political oversight under Virginia Tlhapi, while sports, arts and cultural programmes will be under Wessels Morweng.
Mokgosi’s announcement signals a period of adjustment in portfolios charged with service delivery. The effectiveness of the changes will become clearer as the new MECs settle into their functions and make their priorities public.
Further details and any formal handover arrangements have not been published in the source material at the time of reporting.
