Durban – In a major cabinet shake-up that is expected to be unveiled by the new KwaZulu-Natal premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, soon after her swearing-in on Wednesday, Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) Ravi Pillay has resigned.
In a letter to the department which the Daily News has seen, Pillay said on Tuesday that after a discussion with his political party he had resigned as a member of legislature and MEC, adding that his resignation would be confirmed during the special sitting on Wednesday.
“I wish to record my sincere appreciation to each of you – head of department, senior management, all staff, entity boards members and staff – for your support and contribution to strengthening Edtea and its entities and giving effect to each respective mandate to addressing the challenges of our time – poverty, unemployment and equality,” read the letter.
He went on to pay tribute to all those who contributed to navigating and overcoming the challenges of the recent past – Covid-19, the 2021 July unrest and the 2022 floods.
“We have proved our resilience as a province and given real meaning to #KZNRISING. There is still much to be done and I have no doubt that you will be equal to the task,” the letter continued.
Pillay wished the incoming MEC the best and assured them of his full support.
His resignation ahead of the legislature special sitting seems to confirm the rumours of a major reshuffle following Sihle Zikalala's resignation as premier on Friday.
Pillay’s name was not on a list of new MECs to be appointed that was circulating on social media, spreading fears that he was on his way out.
Pillay was also not elected to the provincial executive committee (PEC) during the provincial conference three weeks ago.
The PEC also lacks demographic representation but the provincial chairperson, Siboniso Duma, defended that, saying it was a reflection of the will of the delegates at the conference.
Pillay had not commented by the time of publication.The sitting takes place at Mooi River on Wednesday morning.
Daily News