The Premier of Limpopo, Mr Cassel Mathale, has appointed George Muthundinne Phadagi as the new MEC for Public Works. He takes over from Mr Pandelani Ramagoma, who died in a car crash two weeks ago.

Phadagi (57), who was sworn in last Thursday, is a former mayor of Thohoyandou.

Welcoming the new MEC at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane, Mathale said Phadagi had fought for freedom and democracy in South Africa. He added that Phadagi had played a pivotal role in the establishment of ANC structures after the unbanning of the liberation movements.

Mr Phadagi was mayor of the Thohoyandou Transitional Local Council (TLC), presently known as Thulamela Municipality, from 1995 to 2000. Thereafter he served the people of South Africa as a member of the national parliament in Cape Town.

He is well known to many for his active participation during the mass democratic movement, where he was always in the forefront as a leader. Whilst underground during the 1980’s, Phadagi played a major role in leading the United Democratic Front and the Northern Transvaal Action Committee, amongst others.

After the unbanning of the liberation movements by the former apartheid regime, he played a pivotal role in the re-establishment and the re-launching of the ANC structures in the country, especially in the far northern region. Phadagi served as the chairperson of the ANC in the Far-North Region, presently known as the Vhembe District. Like his late predecessor, the new MEC also hails from the Vhembe district.

“We are confident that, in comrade Phadagi, we have identified a cadre and a leader who has what it takes to tackle the challenges of our day and time. We are looking forward to his immense contribution to our core mandate of building a better life for the people of our province,” said Mathale.