'Some on the bench, some on the field' - Premier Winde on reconfigured WC Cabinet

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Babalo Ndenze

CAPE TOWN - Alan Winde was re-elected as Western Cape premier on Thursday, and has already hit the ground running with his new Cabinet.

Winde appointed his reconfigured provincial Cabinet after he was sworn in as premier and immediately held the first meeting to kickstart the term.

But some members of the previous Cabinet have been left out completely, while Reagen Allen was removed as Community Safety MEC to take up the position of deputy Speaker.

Ivan Meyer also heads up a reconfigured agriculture portfolio, which now includes economic development and tourism.

Using a sports analogy, Winde said he had to act like a coach and leave certain players on the bench while giving others a chance to play.

"When you're the rugby coach, you put some people on the bench and you put some people on the field and that's what I've had to do. Some people on the bench and some people on the field."

Winde was referring to Allen's axing and that of former health MEC, Nomafrench Mbombo, who is now just an ordinary Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL).

Announcing the 33-year-old Deidre Bartman as the new finance MEC, Winde said it was important to give young people in the party a chance to lead.

"The minister of finance, a big challenge, but I really believe in giving opportunity to young people and young people to shape the future of our next 30 years."

Other newcomers in his cabinet are Jaco Londt, who heads up social development and Isaac Sileku, who is the new mobility MEC.