Pretoria – Cabinet has announced the appointment of four Directors General in what spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said was a response to a call by President Jacob Zuma that ministers fill vacancies in government departments.
Lionel October, who has been acting Director General in the Department of Trade and Industry has been appointed full time to the position, while Sipho Reginald Zikode was appointed Deputy Director General: Empowerment and Enterprise Development.
The Department of Trade and Industry in a statement welcomed the appointment of October and Zikode, saying they bring to the posts a wealth of experience. “I wish both Mr October and Mr Zikode all the best in their news positions,” said Minister Rob Davis.
Sibusiso Xaba and Nkosinathi Nhleko were appointed Directors General in the Departments of Arts and Culture and Labour respectively.
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced the appointment of Lungisa Fuzile as Treasury Director General. He took over from Lesetja Kganyago, who was promoted to the position of Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank.
Home Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa was appointed Deputy Director-General: Head of Communication at the Department of Home Affairs, while Johannes Hendrik de Beer will be taking up a Deputy Director-General: Economic Statistics post at Statistics South Africa.
Manyi said departments were working on plans to ensure that most of the senior vacant posts in the public service were filled. “These senior officials in turn have an immediate task to ensure that their departments fill other vacancies as soon as possible,” he said.
Cabinet wished all the new appointees good innings and pledged its full support as they carry out their respective strategic mandates, said Manyi. – BuaNews
