Just a day after he was sworn as the new premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi says for the next 18 months, his executive will continue to build what he called the “Growing Together 2030 blueprint” that was laid by his predecessor David Makhura’s administration.
Lesufi said the blueprint will focus on what he called “non-negotiable” areas that must be addressed urgently from today until the end of political term, which is in the next 18 months. He also made a promise to rehabilitate all nyaope addicts and homeless people, fight against crime and lawlessness to change the living conditions in the townships and informal settlements, and economic recovery among other things. He said that this is to lead towards a just and sustainable economy and society.
“The first one is the immediate need to ensure economic recovery and reconstruction. We want to accelerate the recovery part of it and the repositioning of the Gauteng economy. Two, we want to strengthen the immediate fight against crime, corruption, vandalism, and lawlessness.
In his new cabinet, the first notable change is the Department of Economic Development and Agriculture MEC Parks Tau being faced out in the new structure, while other departments have been restructured and MECs being reshuffled. Other changes made include giving what was previously know as the Department of Health a new face, it is now called Health and Wellness. The logistics portfolio has been added to the Department of Transport, while the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has been separated from the Department of Human Settlement. He said that this is for the department to focus on ensuring that there is stability of coalition government. Lastly, the Department of Infrastructure has been combined with the Department Human Settlement.
The newly appointed cabinet is as follows:
• Department of Health and Wellness – MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko
• Department of Economic Development – MEC Tasneem Motara
• Department of Safety and Security – MEC Faith Mazibuko
• Department of Transport and Logistics – MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela
• Department of Education – Matome Chiloane
• Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Aaffairs, eGovernment and Research and Development – MEC Mzikayifane Khumalo
• Department of Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development – MEC Lebogang Maile
• Department of Finance – MEC Jacob Mamabolo
• Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation – MEC Morakane Mosupyoe
• Department of Social Development – MEC Mbali Hlophe
“This leadership represents retention and continuity as we are only bringing literally two [new] MECs. We have kept almost seven MECs within the team, so we have not made major changes. I wish the team well. Let’s serve the people of Gauteng and let’s do it now,” he said.
Lesufi said the new cabinet will also be continuing the work done by the previous administration led by former Premier David Makhura and will have key priorities.
Lesufi has taken over from David Makhura who resigned earlier this week.
