Ricardo Mackenzie

Ricardo Mackenzie was sworn in as Mobility MEC on Monday, 20 February. Images: Supplied/@ricardomackenzi.

Mackenzie takes the train to work on his first day as Mobility MEC – will his commitment to public transport last?

‘My commitment to the people of our province is to get them to work and school safely and on time,’ said Ricardo Mackenzie, who was sworn in as the Western Cape Mobility MEC on Monday.

Ricardo Mackenzie

Ricardo Mackenzie was sworn in as Mobility MEC on Monday, 20 February. Images: Supplied/@ricardomackenzi.

Functional, efficient, accessible public transport is key for us to get people to work safely, declared a smiling Ricardo Mackenzie aboard a train that shuttled him to the CBD on Monday, 20 February, before he was sworn in as the new Mobility MEC in the Western Cape government.

MACKENZIE APPOINTED MOBILITY MEC

Mackenzie replaces Daylin Mitchell, who was appointed the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament late in 2022.

“Mr Mackenzie is a seasoned and dedicated public servant, passionate about transport-related issues. With him as the province’s new Mobility Minister, he will drive the Western Cape Government’s commitment to transform public transport, ensuring it is safe, reliable, and affordable for our citizens,” said Premier Alan Winde.

The provincial government said Mackenzie has a wealth of experience in the transport sector. He was previously the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Transport and Public Works.

Mackenzie reportedly said he would do everything he could to get public transport in the Western Cape up and running again and offer commuters a dignified service at the swearing-in ceremony.

“My commitment to the people of our province is to get them to work and school safely and on time. Mobility must be an enabler for job creation and economic growth. I also aim to foster a good working relationship with role players in the mobility sector,” said the new MEC.

Winde announced three new portfolios – Infrastructure, Mobility, and Police Oversight and Community Safety – when he reshuffled his cabinet in April 2022.

The former Transport and Public Works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela, whom Mitchell replaced, was let go when it was discovered that he lied about her tertiary qualifications. Mitchell was appointed Mobility MEC during the reshuffle.

READ MORE: Another DA qualifications scandal: WC leader accused of ‘lying on his CV’

Albert Fritz, who is the former MEC for Community Safety, was also fired after allegations of sexual misconduct in his office were raised. He denied the allegations against him.

READ MORE: ‘I am extremely angry’: Winde fires alleged sex pest Fritz immediately

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