Durban - Former KwaZulu-Natal Members of Executive Council (MECs) for Human Settlements and Public Works, Education and Sports, Arts and Culture said they were grateful for the opportunity given to them to serve the ruling party in the local government.
In separate resignation letters, the three also thanked staff in their departments.
The resignations came ahead of Thursday’s provincial cabinet reshuffle which saw new appointments in several portfolios. This comes after Nomusa Dube-Ncube was sworn in as the new Premier of KZN on Wednesday, following the resignation of Sihle Zikalala due to his defeat of at the ANC elective conference.
The new MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works is Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, the new Education MEC is Mbali Frazer and the new MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture is Amanda Mapena.
In Sibiya’s resignation letter shared on his Facebook page he said as he departs from the Department he has served for the last 16 months, he is filled with gratitude.
Sibiya said he is grateful to the ANC for the opportunity to serve, learn and grow.
"I would also like to pass my gratitude to the leadership and membership for seeing in me a person that could contribute, thus making sure the ANC keeps its promise to better the lives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal."
He also thanked Zikalala, cabinet members and Dube-Ncube for their support when he joined the Executive Council.
Sibiya said he appreciated the heads of departments of Human Settlements and Public Works as well as senior management and staff.
"In a very short space of time and through a shared vision and sheer dedication we touched people's lives. Together we worked day and night - not to just to deliver desperately needed services especially to the rural and township communities across KwaZulu-Natal - but also to bring dignity to these communities."
Mshengu, in his letter, also said he was deeply grateful for the opportunity given to him by the ANC to serve KZN residents.
He also thanked staff in the Education department for “being a cornerstone of the victories we scored”.
“Collectively we have steered the education sector in the province to what I verily believe is the right direction.”
Mshengu also thanked teachers unions and school governing body associations and their members for their contribution and support.
Mavimbela, in her resignation letter posted on her Facebook page on Thursday, thanked Zikalala for the opportunity and continuous support.
"I want to pledge my full support to the new Premier and accept the decisions that have been made. I also congratulate the new MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Amanda Bani-Mapena, on her appointment. We will work together to ensure that there is a smooth handover," she said.
Mavimbela also thanked the staff in her department as well as her family.