Maruping Lekwene

Maruping Lekwene
Northern Cape MEC for Health
In office
26 June 2020 – 5 November 2025
PremierZamani Saul
Preceded byMase Manopole
Succeeded byNontobeko Vilakazi
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
BornMaruping Matthews Lekwene
(1969-09-14) 14 September 1969
NationalitySouth African
PartyAfrican National Congress
South African Communist Party
OccupationPolitician

Maruping Matthews Lekwene (born 14 September 1969) is a South African politician who served as the Northern Cape MEC for Health from June 2020 until November 2025. He has been a Member of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature for the African National Congress from June 2014 until November 2025.[1] He was the 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]

Criticism

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

  1. ^ Kwon Hoo, Sandi (26 June 2020). "Premier Saul reshuffles his cabinet". DFA. Archived from the original on 28 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  2. ^ "Northern Cape Premier Saul announces new cabinet". The Citizen. 29 May 2019. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. 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.