Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announces Members of the Executive Council

Only three new Members of the Executive Council (MEC) in that of the team of the newly elected Gauteng premier, Panyaza Lesufi, were not in David Makhura’s term were announced.

Those are Kedibone Diale Tlabela (MEC for Transport and Logistics), Mzi Khumalo (MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, e- Government, Research and Development) and Matome Chiloane (MEC for Education and Youth Development).

Lesufi announced MECs in a move to ensure that Gauteng can expedite and refocus some of the programmes and interventions to improve the quality of life of Gauteng residents on October 7.

According to him, the hallmark of his administration will be changing townships, eradicating informal settlements and improving hostels.

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Tackling challenges of economic development and basic service delivery in these areas is top of the Gauteng government’s agenda and this new cabinet will ensure that the capacity to deliver and implement these priorities is strengthened.

“This morning I had an opportunity to consult with the leadership of the ANC, as well as our alliance partners. Those discussions were robust, fruitful and helpful in paving the way for the task that lies ahead and the issues that need our immediate attention,” said Lesufi.

Lesufi reiterated that he was taking up office within the term of the sixth administration and therefore would continue with the blueprint of Growing Gauteng Together (2030), which captures the matters of the current administration’s immediate attention.

“In this context, we have elevated things that we feel are non-negotiables between now and the end of the political term.

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“These include economic recovery and reconstruction, strengthening the fight against crime, corruption, vandalism and lawlessness, changing the living conditions in townships, informal settlements and hostels,” said the premier.

He added that in the consultations with the ANC on the executive council, the organisation was very firm on the kind of leaders that should be considered.

“The party was clear that there must be no compromise on the competency and skills of the incoming leadership. They were also clear on gender parity, leadership being beyond reproach and that leaders must be ready to serve and hit the ground running,” said Lesufi.

The rest of the Members of the Executive Council are Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko (MEC for Health and Wellness), Tasneem Motara (MEC for Economic Development), Faith Mazibuko (MEC for Safety and Security), Lebogang Maile (MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development), Morakane Mosupyoe (MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation), Mbali Hlophe (MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment) and Jacob Mamabolo (MEC for Finance).

The health portfolio was given a facelift to bolster the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen the wellness aspect of the portfolio.

Other portfolios that were reconfigured include human settlements, which are now paired with infrastructure development and social development, which now includes agriculture, rural development and environment to strengthen interventions on poverty alleviation and food security.

Lesufi congratulated the MMCs on their appointment and wished them well in their responsibilities.