The Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape views the latest cabinet reshuffle by Premier Zamani Saul as the desperate rearranging of deckchairs on a sinking ship. The decisions announced by the Premier seem motivated by political infighting rather than a genuine desire to improve service delivery and the Northern Cape deserves better than this.
Bentley Vass’s shift to the portfolio of roads and public works seems like the inevitable fallout of factionalism, particularly in light of the provincial government’s disastrous handling of whether Sol Plaatje should be under administration or not. Riding roughshod over the autonomy of local government was characteristic of Vass, who only intervened in municipal mismanagement when the ANC could score political points and seldom to alleviate the real suffering of residents.
Vass will now have to stop the continued vandalism and ongoing dilapidation of provincial infrastructure assets. But his record at the Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements & Traditional Affairs fills one with trepidation for the fate of important buildings, heritage assets, and provincial roads. Vass oversaw the inept implementation of the pivotal R1 billion housing project. As of May 2026, it has taken 28 months to deliver just 480 of the 6 500 new homes originally promised in 12 months by premier Saul. Contractors spoke of their frustration with flawed geotechnical reports issued by the department, which delayed much-needed homes and contributed to the unnecessary escalation of construction costs, while the persistent non-payment of contractors forced individuals into bankruptcy.
Lebogang Motlhaping will now have to take control of this project. From Sport, Transport, Health, and Agriculture, Motlhaping has much experience of being a MEC and little experience of being effective.
We note that Newrene Klaaste will move to the agriculture portfolio and we wish her all the best with this important task. The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa cautioned last year that, while the Northern Cape is one of three provinces where agricultural production is concentrated, it remains the province with the highest levels of food insecurity in the country. Klaaste must prioritise efforts to improve food security, especially in rural and impoverished communities.
The vacancy that Klaaste’s move leaves for the Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature will be dealt with in accordance with the constitutional prescripts. We will comment further on these processes in due course.
Irrespective of who serves where, the ANC in the Northern Cape is sinking fast. It is clear that only the DA has a credible plan and capable leadership that can get the Northern Cape on the right course. With the support of voters, we can ensure that the province is steered in the direction of growth and prosperity that works for all.