Durban — Ravi Pillay is back in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government mix after he was appointed as advisor to Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
This was according to provincial government spokesperson Lennox Mabaso, following a provincial executive council meeting held on Wednesday.
Pillay’s appointment was one of the issues resolved in the meeting.
Mabaso said that the executive council approved the appointment of the former Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) MEC as special advisor to Dube-Ncube.
“Exco believes that the appointment of Mr Ravi Pillay will add value, not only in the Premier’s Office but also in the entire provincial government,” Mabaso said.
He said that Pillay is a seasoned lawyer who boasts vast experience in the public sector and has a wealth of knowledge in the evolution of public policy and relevant legislative frameworks.
Pillay has served in the sphere of local government, the KZN legislature and the Executive Council, holding key strategic portfolios such as Provincial Treasury MEC, Public Works and Human Settlements MEC, and Edtea MEC.
Pillay resigned back in August ahead of the KZN cabinet reshuffle after Dube-Ncube was sworn in.
In a letter to the department, Pillay said after a discussion with his political party, he had resigned as a member of the legislature and MEC.
“I wish to record my sincere appreciation to each of you – head of department, senior management, all staff, entity boards members and staff – for your support and contribution to strengthening Edtea and its entities and giving effect to each respective mandate to addressing the challenges of our time – poverty, unemployment and equality,” read the letter.
He went on to pay tribute to all those who contributed to navigating and overcoming the challenges of the recent past – Covid-19, the 2021 July unrest and the 2022 floods.
“We have proved our resilience as a province and given real meaning to #KZNRISING. There is still much to be done, and I have no doubt that you will be equal to the task,” the letter continued.
Pillay’s name was not on a list of new MECs to be appointed that was circulating on social media, spreading fears that he was on his way out.
Daily News