Masondo named as MEC

Former Young Communist League chairman David Masondo has been appointed as Limpopo's new Treasury MEC.

He had been in the political wilderness after falling out with YCL national secretary Buti Manamela and other SACP leaders.

His appointment by Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale, who is friendly with ANC Youth League president Julius Malema, suggests Masondo is growing closer to the ANC leaders who are involved in a bitter power struggle with SACP and Cosatu leaders.

Masondo's appointment has been welcomed by the ANC Youth League and other alliance structures in Limpopo.

The YCL, which is run by Manamela and other leaders who were opposed to Masondo, yesterday congratulated their former chairman on his appointment.

Masondo, who is in the US, will be returning to South Africa to take up his new post soon.