Vilakazi was nominated to the
Northern Cape Provincial Legislature following the
general election held on 8 May 2019, as she was placed 12th on the ANC's list and the party won 18 seats. She was sworn in as a member on 22 May. On 29 May, newly elected premier
Zamani Saul announced his executive council. Vilakazi was appointed as the
Member of the Executive Council for Transport and Safety Liaison. She took office on the same day. On 26 June 2020, she was appointed MEC for Social Development. She assumed the position on the same day and succeeded
Martha Bartlett, who was sworn in as a Delegate of the
National Council of Provinces.
Nomandla Bloem took over as MEC for Transport and Safety Liaison. In a cabinet reshuffle in January 2025, Saul reestablished the position of MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture and then appointed
Mangaliso Matika to lead the portfolio; Vilakazi remained as MEC for Social Development. She was moved to the health portfolio of the executive council in January 2026. ==References==