New DG for Mineral Resources

The cabinet has approved the appointment of two new directors-general, including one for the politically sensitive Department of Mineral Resources.

Government spokesman Jimmy Manyi told journalists yesterday that the cabinet had endorsed Thibedi Ramontja to take over the administrative reins at the department responsible for the mines.

He will replace Sandile Nogxina, who has left the department.

Ramontja's appointment was announced as the ANC Youth League prepares to up the ante in its push for the nationalisation of mines to be adopted as an official ruling party position at the next ANC policy conference, expected to take place in about May.

Though his views on the nationalisation of the mines are not known, Ramontja - who has vast experience and previously headed the Council for GeoScience - was quoted by Mining Weekly magazine in 2005 as saying mining was crucial to economic development in Africa.

"Mining could be a powerful catalyst in the development of Africa, and developing Africa will ultimately be the result of a collaborative effort," he said.

Ramontja will work closely with Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, who has stated repeatedly in public that nationalisation will "not happen in my lifetime".

Mashwahle Diphofa has been transferred from his position as a public service commissioner to the Department of Public Service and Administration, where he will take over as director-general.

Diphofa replaces Themba Maseko, who quit in July after only six months in the job.

The cabinet also confirmed the appointment of Shanaaz Majiet as deputy director-general responsible for provincial and municipal government support in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs.

Majiet, who was fired from the Western Cape local government department by Premier Helen Zille last year, will probably oversee provincial budgets.