New Gauteng cabinet announced amid governance concerns

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi reshuffled his cabinet in April, bringing the EFF into the provincial executive in a move aimed at strengthening his government and stabilising the administration.

The decision followed delays in passing the adjustment budget and growing concerns over political instability in the provincial legislature.

Lesufi said the changes were intended to improve governance, service delivery and economic growth, while keeping the Gauteng Provincial Government focused on its development priorities.

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He announced that Nkululeko Dunga had been appointed MEC for Finance. Dunga previously served as the EFF’s MMC for Finance in the City of Ekurhuleni.

“It is within this context that the national leadership of the ANC gave us the go-ahead to engage other political parties to strengthen the executive council,” said Lesufi.

He said discussions were held with several parties, including the DA, EFF and MK Party, before the EFF was brought into the executive.

Water supply

Lesufi also used the announcement to outline progress on water infrastructure, following widespread supply disruptions across Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.

He said an operations centre, led by MEC Jacob Mamabolo, had been established to coordinate responses to shortages in Johannesburg.

According to Lesufi, short-term interventions included pressure management, leak repairs and improved water tanker operations.

He added that a new ground reservoir, water tower and emergency boosting pump station in Brixton had been completed to strengthen the supply.

In Ekurhuleni, several suburbs and industrial areas have continued to face interruptions linked to ageing infrastructure and capacity constraints.
The City of Ekurhuleni recently confirmed that construction of an additional 22.5ML reservoir next to the Russell Road Reservoir was about 90% complete.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the project would raise total storage capacity in the area to 40.5ML.
Lesufi also praised municipalities for progress in water management, including Ekurhuleni’s success at the 2026 Department of Water and Sanitation awards and Midvaal Local Municipality for wastewater management improvements.

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Housing
Housing remained another major focus, with the premier acknowledging growing demand across Gauteng, including pressure on municipalities dealing with expanding informal settlements.

Lesufi said 440 housing units had been handed over since the 2026 State of the Province Address, including developments in Benoni, Lesedi, Clayville and Affrivillage/Droogeheuwel.

He added that more than 3000 title deeds had also been issued, including over 1000 in Ratanda and nearly 2000 in Impumelelo.

The 2026/27 budget further provides funding for serviced land, mega projects and the construction of 8644 new housing units across the province.

The executive council will be constituted as follows:
• e-Government: Bonginkosi Dlamini (IFP).
• Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Lebogang Maile (ANC).
• Transport, Roads and Logistics: Kedibone Diale-Tlabela (ANC).
• Economic Development and Agriculture and Rural Development: Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (Rise Mzansi).
• Finance: Nkululeko Dunga (EFF).
• Health and Wellness: Faith Mazibuko (ANC).
• Human Settlements: Tasneem Motara (ANC).
• Environment: Ewan Botha (Patriotic Alliance).
• Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Jacob Mamabolo (ANC).
• Department of Social Development: Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.