Premier Helen Zille has appointed Donald Grant to the Provincial Cabinet as MEC for Education in the Western Cape.

Announcing his appointment at a media briefing in Cape Town today, the Premier said MEC Grant brings with him 28 years of experience in the private sector and in management.

The MEC was elected to the Western Cape Provincial Legislature for the first time this year, after his term as a councilor in Bitou Municipality. He holds a MBA from the University of Cape Town (UCT).

MEC Grant said he is committed to address burning issues in the staffrooms and classrooms during his tenure.

He said the DA's policy on education provides him with a wonderful roadmap. "We need to implement it, building skills sets that match a developed economy."

He committed himself to do what is best for the Western Cape and the country and focus on redressing inequality in the system. "We need to rekindle the light in the children's eyes and equip them to take their place in an ever changing and competitive world."

MEC Grant is married to Cheryl (nee Kirsten) and they have three children and three grandchildren.

He was born in Johannesburg and attended boarding school at St. Andrews. He holds an A.C.I.S diploma and a MBA from UCT.