NATIONAL NEWS - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has announced the appointment of Jaco Londt as provincial Minister of Education and Wendy Kaizer-Philander as Minister of Social Development.
Winde said both ministers bring extensive experience, principled leadership and a strong commitment to serving Western Cape residents.
“Their new portfolios will allow them to build on their respective track records and bring fresh energy, insight and collaborative leadership to two critical areas of government,” said Winde.
Jaco Londt moves to Education portfolio
Londt moves from the Department of Social Development, where he has served as provincial minister since June 2024.
During his tenure, the department expanded its GBV Ambassador Programme to 21 programmes across the province, launched the Cape Care Fund to support social development non-profit organisations and implemented the Social Work Integrated Management System (SWIMS) app.
Londt holds a Humanities Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Africa and a Public Administration Honours Degree from Stellenbosch University.
Before becoming a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, he served for 10 years as a Member of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces.
“The tremendous responsibility being entrusted to me by Premier Winde is not taken lightly,” said Londt.
“I am looking forward to building on the solid foundation that was laid by my predecessor, Minister David Maynier.”
The former WC Minister of Education, David Maynier was appointed as South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in July as part of the Democratic Alliance’s cabinet reshuffle within the Government of National Unity.
Londt thanked the Department of Social Development’s management, staff and partner organisations for their work during his tenure.
Wendy Kaizer-Philander appointed Social Development Minister
Kaizer-Philander takes over the Social Development portfolio after serving as a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament since 2018.
Before entering the provincial legislature, she served as a councillor and member of the mayoral committee in the Drakenstein Local Municipality.
At the time of her appointment, Kaizer-Philander was Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Development and Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on Child Protection Reform in the Western Cape.
She has also held senior parliamentary leadership and committee positions, including Chief Whip and Chairperson of the TB Ad Hoc Committee and Conduct Committee.
Newly appointed WC Minister of Social Development Wendy Kaizer-Philander.
Her experience in the Social Development portfolio gives her a strong understanding of the department’s work and the communities it serves.
Kaizer-Philander is completing a BAdmin Honours in Public Administration at the University of the Western Cape.
“This is a huge honour, and I would like to thank the Premier for trusting me with this enormous responsibility,” she said.
“I look forward to continuing the excellent work of Minister Londt, who has already achieved significant milestones in the department.”
She said she was particularly passionate about supporting vulnerable communities, including children, families, women, older persons and communities facing social and economic challenges.
Winde welcomes new leadership
Winde said he had full confidence in both ministers to build on the Western Cape Government’s work.
“With their respective experience and commitment to public service, I have full faith in both Ministers to advance the Western Cape Government’s work to create more opportunity, improve lives and build a province in which all residents can thrive,” he said.
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