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Picture Courtesy: (@Gauteng Provincial Gov shared via X) Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has finally announced the Gauteng government executive, which represents the Provincial Government of Unity.
(The Post News)- On Wednesday night, July 3, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi finally announced his eagerly anticipated cabinet for the seventh administration.
The cabinet is a representation of the Government of Unity (PGU), which consists of the African National Congress (ANC) with seven portfolios, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and Rise Mzansi each have one portfolio.
In his cabinet, Lesufi re-appointed seven ANC MECs from the sixth administration, who are as follows: Lebogang Maile as MEC of Finance and Economic Development, Matome Chialone as MEC of Education and Sport, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko as MEC of Health, Jacob Mamabolo as MEC of Infrastructure and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Kedibone Tlhabela as MEC of Road and Transport, Tasneem Motatra as MEC of Human Settlements, as well as Faith Mazibuko as MEC of Social Development.
Meanwhile, the remaining three portfolios were handed to new members of the parties that have formed the PGU together with the ANC.
Bonkinkosi Dlamini of the IFP was appointed as the new MEC of eGovernment, while Vuyiswa Ramokgopa of Rise Mzansi was appointed as the MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Sheila Mary Peters of the PA was appointed as the MEC of Environment.
Lesufi disclosed that the portfolio for community safety has been assumed by the Premier’s office.
Judge Lebogang Modiba of the Gauteng High Court administered the swearing into office of the MECs shortly after they were announced.
In his speech before introducing his cabinet, Lesufi affirmed their full acceptance of the election results and the voters’ mandate, emphasizing the unity required among political parties in governing Gauteng.
Despite their diverse political backgrounds, the Members of the Executive Council (MEC) are committed to serving the people of Gauteng diligently and without reservation.
According to Lesufi, the qualities that will define his executive are openness, transparency, compromise, and communication, and the goal of the new executive is to lead Gauteng towards greater prosperity.
Lesufi told the new MECs that their task is to make Gauteng safe for women and children, appealing to families, investors of all kinds, youth, and students, as well as hosting sporting and cultural events.
Moreover, he said that their mission is straightforward, they must ruthlessly fight against crime, corruption, and lawlessness, and municipalities need to meet the government halfway when they need assistance.
Lesufi had previously postponed the announcement of his executive twice because the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) could not reach an agreement, which led to the DA officially becoming the opposition of the government of unity in Gauteng.
Lesufi conveyed his gratitude to the parties who were part of the PGU negotiations, including the DA, and said that the door is still open for any party that is still interested in forming part of the PGU.
Shortly before the cabinet announcement, the Gauteng leader of the DA, Solly Msimanga, released a media statement stating that following intense engagements and weeks-long negotiations, the DA declined to accept seats on the terms of the ANC and will not be represented in the Gauteng PGU executive.
Msimanga also stated that the DA could not accept a counter to its offer, and the DA considers the ANC’s offer unjust and unreasonable.
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