Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The appointment of three former Limpopo MECs as ministers in national government has given residents of the rural province hope for the future.

The appointment of former MEC for economic development Collins Chabane as Minister in the Presidency responsible for performance monitoring and evaluation, former education MEC Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, a medical doctor, as Minister of Health and former MEC for local government and housing Maite Nkoana-Mashabane as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation was well received.

Ululations and cars hooting in different parts of the province greeted the announcement.

Grace Mashele of Jamela in Bolobedu, whose daughter was assaulted while en route to the only communal fountain in the village a few years ago, said: "I think this is a step in the right direction. We have never had a minister from Limpopo in the past. Today we have ministers from Limpopo which is a sign that our province will never be the same after this year."

Mashele said she believes the new appointment of ministers from her own province would increase the rate of service delivery and help create jobs to thwart the ever-increasing rate of unemployment in the province.

Meanwhile, residents of Senwabarwana in Blouberg described Motsoaledi as their "saviour".