Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced sweeping changes to his cabinet that includes the EFF’s Nkululeko Dunga taking over the treasury of the province.
This comes after discussions between the ANC and EFF in Gauteng, first reported by the Sunday Times, that saw the red berets agreeing to join Lesufi’s government of provincial unity.
Dunga is expected to be sworn in on Thursday.
Lesufi on Wednesday officially announced the new make-up of his provincial executive that sees Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko being shifted from health to social development. ANC strongman Lebogang Maile leaves finance to Dunga while being moved to education and sports, effectively replacing Matome Chiloane who has been left out of the new executive.
E-government will be under the IFP’s Bonginkosi Dlamini, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela retains the department of transport, while Rise Mzansi’s Vuyiswa Ramokgopa takes over the newly combined department of economic development and agriculture.
Faith Mazibuko, who has been in community safety under the office of the premier, will now take over the troubled health department.
The ANC’s Tasneem Motara retains human settlements, PA’s Ewan Botha retains environment and Jacob Mamabolo retains Cogta, which is now combined with infrastructure.
Lesufi said he felt bad for having to take a decision that left Chiloane out of his executive.
“I want to thank MEC Chiloane from the bottom of my heart. It has been a difficult decision. I spent almost 50 minutes with him moments ago, and we assured him that we are not going to leave him, and that there are responsibilities that we really believe that he can assist us with, so we are working around those issues,” said Lesufi.
He explained that he had the backing of the leadership of his political party to rope in the EFF and make the changes to his executive.
Without the EFF, Lesufi’s government was not going to be able to pass its adjustment budget, which was postponed last week, and only passed on Tuesday after clinching a deal with the EFF.
The ANC was forced to enter into talks with the EFF after negotiations to give Dunga a position in the Ekurhuleni municipality collapsed.
Soon after, the EFF made it clear that it would not support the ANC in any of its municipalities unless the party was adequately rewarded.
The EFF, which has 11 seats, last week said it would not support the adjustment budget in the legislature. But following successful talks, the budget was passed on Tuesday with its support.
Lesufi said the ANC had to engage in talks with officials from both the EFF and the MK Party to stabilise government.
“Last week we couldn’t proceed to adopt the adjustment budget … The national leadership of the ANC gave us the ‘go-ahead’ to engage with other parties ... to stabilise numbers,” said Lesufi.
TimesLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.