EASTERN Cape Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Ntombovuyo Nkopane, has announced the appointment of Avela Mjajubana (31) as the new head of the MEC’s office.
Mjajubana succeeds Sibongile Sotshongaye, who left the department on February 1 this year to take up a position of municipal manager of the Cala-based Sakhisizwe Local Municipality.
His appointment was officially announced on February 21.
Mjajubana hails from Ngqeleni, under the Nyandeni Local Municipality.
His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Management and Governance, Bachelor of Technology in Nursing Science, Advanced Certificate in Municipal Governance and Master of Technology in Health Science.
He is currently pursuing his PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Pretoria.
Mjajubana was previously Deputy Director: Community Outreach in the former Minister of Public Administration and current Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu’s office.
During his tenure as Deputy Director: Community Outreach, the ministry recorded more than 10 sustainable programmes which targeted over 5 000 households nationally, a novel achievement for anyone that has held a similar post in the department.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mjajubana to serve in the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) as a board member in November 2021.
His responsibilities on the board include serving as chairperson of SAECOM, tasked with supporting, advising and providing guidance on the effectiveness of management efforts in respect of ethical leadership, protection of the agency’s assets and stakeholder engagement.
This former president of the South African Union of Students has also served as an advisory board member of the Student Union, a student body covering the SADC Region.
He is also a former board member of the Eastern Cape Province Education Advisory council for two terms.
Mjajubana, a political activist and leader, is passionate about youth development, access to education and healthcare.
The department said that his vast experience in leadership and professionalism that he brings to the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will ensure that the MEC executes her mandate.
Mjajubana is currently a member of the ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) and heads the Education committee.
The department wished him well on his new appointment.
