Maruping Matthews Lekwene is a South African politician serving as the Northern Cape MEC for Health since June 2020. He has been a Member of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature for the African National Congress (ANC) since June 2014.[1] He was the Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism from May 2019 until June 2020.[2] Lekwene is also the provincial chairperson of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the ANC's deputy provincial secretary.[3][4]

Maruping Lekwene
Northern Cape MEC for Health
Assumed office
26 June 2020
PremierZamani Saul
Preceded byMase Manopole
Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism
In office
29 May 2019 – 26 June 2020
PremierZamani Saul
Preceded byMac Jack
Succeeded byAbraham Vosloo
Member of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature
Assumed office
June 2014
Personal details
Born
Maruping Matthews Lekwene
NationalitySouth African
Political partyAfrican National Congress
South African Communist Party
OccupationPolitician

Criticism edit

In December 2019, Lekwene announced that the trading hours of liquor stores in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality would be extended during the ANC's 108th birthday celebrations from 8 to 11 January 2020. Under this notice, licensed liquor stores could trade for 24-hours during the period of the extension. The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) criticised this notice and called for it to be revoked. Lekwene later reversed the decision.[5][6][7]

References edit

  1. ^ Kwon Hoo, Sandi (26 June 2020). "Premier Saul reshuffles his cabinet". DFA. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  2. ^ "Northern Cape Premier Saul announces new cabinet". The Citizen. 29 May 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  3. ^ Nkuyane, Lucky (29 May 2019). "Long wait over for NC's new executive council". OFM. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  4. ^ Whittles, Govan (12 May 2017). "Zamani Saul elected Northern Cape chairperson after shock withdrawal by Sylvia Lucas". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  5. ^ Ngatane, Nthakoana (29 December 2019). "Liquor won't be sold 24 hours a day for ANC's January celebrations in NC". EWN. Johannesburg. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  6. ^ "ANC rejects amendment of liquor store trading hours by Northern Cape MEC for upcoming anniversary celebrations". The Citizen. 27 December 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  7. ^ Ngqakamba, Sesona (27 December 2019). "24-hour drinking spree? ANC rejects amendment of trading hours by Northern Cape MEC for upcoming anniversary celebrations". News24. Retrieved 2 January 2020.

External links edit

Political offices
Preceded by Northern Cape MEC for Health
2020–present
Incumbent
Preceded by Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism
2019–2020
Succeeded by