North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has announced a major reshuffle of the provincial cabinet, marking the first significant changes since the Seventh Administration took office in 2024.
The changes were announced in Mahikeng on Wednesday, with several MECs being moved to new portfolios.
Wessels Morweng has been moved from the Community Safety and Transport Management portfolio to become the new MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.
Virginia Tlhapi, who previously served as MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, will take over the Community Safety and Transport Management portfolio.
The provincial Education portfolio has also undergone a major change, with MEC Viola Motsumi being removed from the position.
Former Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Desbo Mohono, has been appointed as the new MEC for Education.
Mokgosi confirmed the changes, saying Morweng and Tlhapi had effectively exchanged portfolios, while Mohono had been asked to take responsibility for education.
“MEC Wessels Morweng, who used to be the MEC for Transport, will now become the new MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation. MEC Virginia Tlhapi, who used to be the MEC responsible for Arts, Sports and Culture, will now be the new MEC responsible for Transport,” Mokgosi said.
He added that he had approached Mohono to accept the position of Education MEC.
The reshuffle represents the first major restructuring of the North West provincial executive since the current administration came into office and is expected to bring renewed focus to key service delivery portfolios across the province.