Western Cape Government welcomes new MECs of Education and Social Development
Today, Premier Alan Winde announced the appointment of Jaco Londt as Western cape MEC of Education and Wendy Kaizer-Philander as provincial MEC of Social Development.
Premier Winde said, “Both MEC Londt and Kaizer-Philander bring extensive experience, principled leadership and a proven commitment to serving the residents of the Western Cape. 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.”
MEC Londt moves from social development where he has served as MEC since June 2024. Under MEC Londt, Social Development now runs 21 GBV Ambassador Programmes across the province, has launched the Cape Care Fund to support the work of social development non-profit organisations, and ensured the implementation of the Social Work Integrated Management System (SWIMS) app
MEC Londt holds a Humanities Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Africa and a Public Administration Honours Degree from the University of Stellenbosch. Prior to being sworn in as a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, MEC Londt served for 10 years as a Member of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces.
He remarked, “The tremendous responsibility being entrusted to me by Premier Winde is not taken lightly. I am looking forward to building on the solid foundation that was laid by my predecessor, MEC David Maynier. The last two years at DSD have been a great privilege and pleasure. I am proud of what we've been able to achieve in strengthening support for vulnerable residents across the province and leading the way with innovation. Thank you to the DSD management, staff, and our incredible partner organisations.
MEC Kaizer-Philander is an experienced public representative who has served as a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament since 2018, before which she was a councillor and member of the mayoral committee in the Drakenstein Local Municipality.
At the time of her appointment, MEC Kaizer-Philander served as the Chairperson on Social Development and Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on Child Protection Reform in the Western Cape. She has also served in senior parliamentary leadership and committee positions, including as Chief Whip and Chairperson of the TB Ad Hoc Committee and Conduct Committee.
Having served as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Development, she comes into the MEC role with a deep understanding of the critical work done by this department.
MEC 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. I look forward to continuing the excellent work of MEC Londt, who has already achieved significant milestones in the department. I am deeply passionate about supporting vulnerable communities, particularly children, families, women, older persons and communities facing social and economic challenges. I am ready to serve the people of the Western Cape in this critical position,” she said.
“With their respective experience and commitment to public service, I have full faith in both MEC to advance the Western Cape Government’s work to create more opportunity, improve lives and build a province in which all residents can thrive,” Premier Winde concluded.
Media Enquiries:
Regan Thaw - Media Liaison Officer to the Premier
Mobile number: 083 627 7246
Email: Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za
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