Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi Announces Cabinet As Third Time Proves Lucky, SA Approves: “Finally”
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced his cabinet on Wednesday, 3 July, following two previous postponements
- Lesufi welcomed the new provincial leadership, saying the time had come to deliver the goods and restore pride in Gauteng
- The provincial cabinet announcement had its fair share of praise and criticism from supporters and critics alike
Source: Original
JOHANNESBURG — Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi finally announced his cabinet on Wednesday, 3 July, ending a frustrating process of unveiling the executive council members.
The development follows two postponements resulting from the impasse with the Democratic Alliance (DA) over position allocations amid protracted Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) negotiations.
Long overdue cabinet announced
It has been three weeks since Lesufi's swearing-in as Premier, and by now, appointing the Members of the Executive Council (MEC) is usually done.
However, as with any change, transitioning presents its challenges.
Other than the Premier — making it eight out of the 11 cabinet seats for the majority party — one position apiece went to the Patriotic Alliance (PA), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Rise Mzansi.
The new Members of the Executive Council (MECs) were sworn in in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
Briefly News covered the event virtually, with the following 10 MECs sworn in:
- eGovernment — Bonginkosi Dlamini (IFP);
- Finance and Economic Development — Lebogang Maile (ANC);
- Education and Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture — Matome Chiloane (ANC);
- Health and Wellness — Namantu Nkomo-Ralehoko (ANC);
- Roads and Transport — Kedibone Dlale-Tlabela (ANC);
- Human Settlements — Tasneem Motara (ANC);
- Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs — Jacob Mamabolo (ANC);
- Agriculture and Rural Development — Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (RISE Mzansi);
- Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment — Sheila Mary Peters (PA); and
- Social Development — Faith Mazibuko (ANC).
Briefly News reported that negotiations between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) ended in no deal, with the latter exiting the talks earlier on Wednesday.
Lesufi, who tried to announce the cabinet twice before, welcomed the new provincial leadership, saying the time had come to deliver the goods.
"I want to formally congratulate the MECs; the task starts now. I was holding the fort alone and I succeeded. I want to thank you now that you're coming to give [me] a helping hand. Let's go and do the work and make the people of Gauteng proud," Lesufi said.
Gauteng cabinet draws mixed reactions
As expected, the cabinet announcement drew mixed reactions, with some critical of the appointees and their portfolios, while others welcomed the development, saying it was long overdue.
Briefly News looks at some of the reactions.
@RSA_Broadcaster wrote:
"As citizens, we reject this corrupt mess."
@GDAmbassador said:
"Green Doors from Soshanguve congratulate all members of the executive council. Gauteng will finally get to work. Siyabonga! Let's fix this country."
@NguluvheKhulu offered:
"The SIU, AG, Hawks and all related law enforcement agencies must be ready to pounce. This is Panyaza and his team’s last chance in government. They won’t respect the provincial purse."
Panyaza Lesufi named Gauteng Premier for 2nd time
In related news, Briefly News reported that Lesufi was re-elected to the Gauteng Premiership on 14 June, charged with leading the province for another five years in the seventh administration.
After the hotly contested May national and provincial elections, Lesufi was elected during a special sitting in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
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Source: Briefly News
