MEC's Profile

Pitsi Moloto's swearing in as MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism like many of his peers was neither a glitzy affair nor spectacular. But what surely stands out as his signature approach is the fact that on his very first day as MEC, he went straight from the legislature to his Office at Evridiki Building to meet with the top brass in his new job to chart a new beginning. On his right, stood the Head of Department Jackee Shibambu, introducing the team and already talking strategy. All around him stood his new team from the parastatals to the department. His statements elicited nods of approval and hurried notes as work almost began immediately.

The former ANC Chief Whip and Member of the Provincial Legislature's appointment as MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism is the second generation of leaders to take over the portfolio since the department was split from Treasury in 2005. Like his predecessor Collins Chabane, MEC Moloto takes over the helm at a time of sweeping changes in the country, and a new framework for government service delivery. His tenure coincides with the new government's resolve to reorganize government departments at national and provincial levels, making him among the first to implement this new dispensation and to oversee a growing provincial economy amidst global market turmoil and economic meltdown.

In many ways, Moloto's character and stature are deeply hewn from the ballast of work within his party, the ruling ANC. Beneath his contemplative character and quite demeanor lies a steely resolve that is delivered in soft and upbeat tones. His humble and assuming manner is calculated and unapologetic, his words stirring forth images of a vision long held to ensure nothing but the best for his people and the mandate he carries which he articulates with a passion.

Of his appointment, Moloto's true nature shines through as he relates what is arguably a major responsibility for him. Humble and straightforward, he says his appointment came as a surprise to him, further saying that it shows appreciation and a sense of gratitude. Recounting those last moments before the announcement by Premier Cassel Mathale, a tinge of emotion creeps in as he relates how he received the news. "There were heavy emotions and mixed feelings around it, but over days it started to sink in. It is an honour and I told myself that I have to do my best, and I realise that I have a lot of work to do and I am deeply humbled by this trust placed upon me."

Pitsi Moloto's life was one of political strife from the very beginning. While many from his generation planned a comfortable life from the safety of their rooms at varsity, Moloto secretly dropped out of university and went to exile to join the ANC military wing at the age of 18, Umkhonto we Sizwe. "Those were hard days" he recalls, "fraught with danger and sacrifice yet those who believed in the struggle knew this to be their calling, one with no rosy ending or accolades." This was just three years after the 1976 Soweto uprisings.

"We were still inspired by the heroic struggle and sacrifice made by those students. Student uprisings were not only in Soweto but took place across the country." He described the experience as the turning point in the political struggle of the country. "That was when politics became my passion."

Moloto a proud father of two says he grew up in Tibane village, Ga-Matlala and attended Pax Catholic College and later went to Hwiti High School in Mankweng. It is this proximity to the hotbed of student politics, the then University of the North (now Limpopo) that further fuelled his drive.

The Moletji-born political activist shared his experience of being exiled in Southern Africa. "It was not good, exile is a harsh process, no matter how you adapt to the culture in that particular country, it can never be home, it was a great source of pain," said Moloto as he reminisced.

After the unbanning of the ANC by the nationalist government in 1990, he went to USA where he studied his for his Masters in City Planning and further did his MBA at Boston College Massachusetts before his return home. Even though his father wanted him to become a lecturer, Moloto says his fascination later shifted to Accounting and Economics hence he worked as a Business Consultant.

Between 2001 and 2002 he was deployed by the ANC to reorganize its structures in the province. In 2003, he was deployed to the Legislature to chair the Portfolio Committee of Education and in 2004 in the Safety and Security portfolio. In 2005, Moloto was appointed as ANC Chief Whip in the Legislature. He says one of his major political highlights "is a sense of fulfillment, and being part of a great historic movement and change."

He said that the departmental strategic plans are in place as his predecessors laid the foundation. "Hopefully we can move forward in a faster pace in terms of realising our key objectives." The focus should now be more on enhancing the quality of services that we've been providing."