The former head of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the province, Rev Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu, has been appointed as the new head of department of the Department of Education in the province.

Nevhutalu, who had been the chairperson of IEC in the province since 1998, joined the Education Department with effect from November 1.

Nevhutalu, also a cleric of the Lutheran Church, holds an honours degree in theology and he has occupied leadership positions in various institutions. He was also a chairperson of the Kagiso Trust and the Ecumenical Confessing Fellowship.

From 1989 until 1992, he was the chairperson of the Educational Aid Programme.

Nevhutalu is succeeding Professor Harry Nenngwekhulu, who has joined the Eastern Cape Department of Education as part of an agreement between the two provinces.

Both MEC Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Premier Sello Moloto hailed the appointment of Nevhutalu in his new position.

Nevhutalu is still in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the South African delegation that was observing the first democratic presidential elections.