Winde shakes up Western Cape Cabinet with two new MECs

The Western Cape Government has announced the appointment of new MECs for Education and Social Development on Thursday. 

Jaco Londt has been appointed as the MEC for Education. 

Wendy Kaizer-Philander has been appointed as MEC for Social Development. 

Premier Alan Winde said both 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,” Winde said. 

Jaco Londt

Londt moves from social development, where he has served as an MEC since June 2024. Winde said under 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.

Londt holds a humanities bachelor’s degree from the University of South Africa and a public administration honours degree from the University of Stellenbosch. Before being sworn in as a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Londt served as a Member of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces for 10 years.

Londt said he does not take this responsibility entrusted to him by Winde lightly. 

“I am looking forward to building on the solid foundation that was laid by my predecessor, Minister 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,” Londt said. 

Wendy Kaizer-Philander

Kaizer-Philander is an experienced public representative who has served as a member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament since 2018, and before that was a councillor and member of the mayoral committee in the Drakenstein Local Municipality.

 At the time of her appointment, Minister Kaizer-Philander served as the Chairperson of 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.

Winde said that Kaizer-Philander, having served as the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Development, brings to the ministerial role a deep understanding of the critical work of this department.

Minister 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 Minister Londt, who has already achieved significant milestones in the department,” she said. 

“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,” Kaizer-Philander said.

Winde said the experience and commitment to public service from both MECs gives him faith that they will advance the Western Cape Government’s work to create more opportunity, improve lives and build a province in which all residents can thrive. 

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