The Western Cape Government has a new Provincial Minister of Education after Debbie Schäfer submitted her resignation to Premier, Alan Winde on Thursday, 21 April.
Schäfer’s resignation comes after she accepted a job in the legal sector in the UK, where she will be joining some of her family members. She will leave the office effective from May 15.
According to Winde, David Maynier who has been the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, overseeing both the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) since 2019 will now assume this position on May 15.
Also read: Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer resigns
Winde said during Friday’s announcement of changes to the Western Cape Provincial Cabinet that Maynier has championed efforts to remove barriers to growth, as well as supporting small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He, therefore, has a first-hand understanding of the major unemployment challenge that our country faces, especially amongst our youth, as well as the very serious fiscal challenges that impact our core mandates, including Education.
“We believe strongly that skills development through a quality education system is a fundamental way to solve our country’s youth unemployment problem, and so David’s passion for job creation, skills development, and innovation, as well as his commitment to excellence, and his ability to work with partners outside of government, will add new momentum to this important core mandate,” Winde said.
Maynier then later took to Twitter to express his gratitude indicating that he is honoured to be entrusted with serving the children of the province as the incoming MEC of Education.
The children of this province are the future of the Western Cape and South Africa. I am honoured to be entrusted with serving them as the incoming MEC of Education in the Western Cape.
— David Maynier (@DavidMaynier) April 22, 2022
Meanwhile, Mireille Wenger, currently the DA’s chief whip, will replace Maynier as MEC of Finance and Economic Opportunities. Reagan Allen replaces Albert Fritz, who was embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal. The portfolio will now be called Police oversight and community safety.
While Daylin Mitchell who is currently he is serving as the MEC for Transport and Public Works has been appointed as the MEC for Mobility.
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Picture: @DavidMaynier/Twitter