Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has axed four of her cabinet members who were accused by her ANC rivals of being loyal to her.
Mokonyane announced on Tuesday morning the departure of MEC for Community Safety Khabisi Mosunkutu; Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Nelisiwe Mbatha-Mthimkhulu, Economic Development Firoz Cachalia and the MEC for Local Government and Housing Kgaogelo Lekgoro.
Humphrey Mmemezi replaced Lekgoro as Local Government and Housing MEC, ANC Gauteng Youth League leader Lebogang Maile replaced Mbatha-Mthimkhulu, and Cachalia was replaced by Qedani Mahlangu. Mahlangu previously served in the same cabinet as MEC for Health and Social Development.
Mokonyane appointed former Ekurhuleni Metro Council Mayor Ntombi Mekgwe as the new MEC for Health and Social Development. She also moved former MEC for Infrastructure Development Nonhlanhla Mazibuko to serve as Community Safety where she replaced Mosunkutu.
MEC for Transport and Roads Bheki Nkosi is now MEC for Infrastructure Development.
Nkosi was replaced by Ishmael Vadi - the former National Parliamentary chairpers of the standing committee on communications – who is also Gauteng’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member.
While the four lost their cabinet posts, Mokonyane decided to retain them in the Provincial Government. Lekgoro is now due to take up a post as her political advisor and liaison officer of the government and the ANC alliance partners.
Cachalia will take up the post of Head of the Provincial Planning Commission. It was previously held by former Gauteng MEC for Transport, Roads and Works Ignatius Jacobs. Jacobs was moved to head the Gauteng City Region.
Mosunkutu and Mbatha-Mthimkulu will return to the Gauteng Legislature as ordinary members.
“This Executive Council's reorganisation is meant to infuse our province with the requisite energy, leadership and experience required to ensure that we make real the promises made to the people of Gauteng when we took office,” Mokonyane said.