Kimberley — Premier Dr Zamani Saul announced a reshuffle of the Northern Cape Executive Council on 14 August after Fufe Makatong stepped down as MEC for Roads and Public Works. The changes come as the provincial government faces scrutiny over stalled infrastructure projects and questions about the deployment of its road-maintenance fleet.
New faces in high-pressure portfolios
The reshuffle places Bentley Vass in charge of Roads and Public Works, moving him from Cooperative Governance. Lebogang Motlhaping takes over the Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) portfolio, while Newreen Klaaste, formerly the provincial legislature speaker, has been appointed MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform. Mirriam Kibi will oversee matters relating to children, women, youth and persons living with disabilities from the premier’s office.
| Portfolio | Outgoing | Incoming |
|---|---|---|
| Roads and Public Works | Fufe Makatong | Bentley Vass |
| Coghsta | Bentley Vass | Lebogang Motlhaping |
| Agriculture & Rural Development | — | Newreen Klaaste |
| Children, Women, Youth & Disability | — | Mirriam Kibi |
Pressure over road maintenance and idle machinery
The premier framed the changes as intended to "strengthen the capacity of the provincial government" and to support a renewed push for economic growth, pointing to a recent fall in the unemployment rate to 28.7%. Yet the reshuffle is occurring against a backdrop of criticism over the province’s roadside operations.
Reports have suggested that equipment linked to the province’s pothole-filling initiative, known as Operation Vala Zonke, has not been in active use in some municipalities. Media coverage highlighted that the so-called "yellow fleet" had largely been stationary in areas including the Sol Plaatje Municipality, despite the campaign’s public launch weeks earlier.
"The buck stops here," Saul said, adding that he would intervene where targets were not met and that his role comprised "vigorous oversight" rather than interference.
When asked why costly machinery appeared unused while roads continued to deteriorate, the premier acknowledged the need to check the precise locations and operational status of the fleet, saying investigations were required though he maintained that "teams are working".
What the reshuffle seeks to achieve
Saul presented the personnel changes as a measure to improve delivery and accelerate projects that affect households and businesses across the province. Relocating an experienced MEC into the Roads and Public Works portfolio signals an intention to prioritise operational leadership where visible problems have emerged.
- Accountability: The premier has emphasised intervention and oversight to ensure departments meet targets.
- Service delivery: Reassignment of portfolios aims to address stalled infrastructure and maintenance work.
- Public scrutiny: Questions about Operation Vala Zonke and idle machinery have increased pressure on the provincial administration.
Immediate implications and next steps
In the short term, residents will be watching whether the new Roads and Public Works leadership can quickly account for the location and use of the province’s road-maintenance equipment and revive stalled projects. Municipalities such as Sol Plaatje, where concerns were reported, are likely to seek clarity about coordination with the provincial department.
The premier’s emphasis on both oversight and a drop in unemployment offers the administration a political narrative of progress, but tangible improvements in road conditions and the visible deployment of resources will be the measure by which the public assesses the reshuffle’s success.
Saul has seven years’ experience as premier and said he will continue to step in where performance falls short. The new MECs have been tasked with stabilising their departments and delivering on promises made to communities across the Northern Cape.
Further reporting is expected as the premier’s office and the affected departments provide details on implementation plans and on the operational status of the road-maintenance fleet.
