Premier shuffles cabinet

Gauteng Premier David Makhura made the announcement of changes to his provincial cabinet of MECs (Members of the Executive Council).

Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi has been announced as the new Gauteng MEC for Health. She was previously appointed as Social Development MEC.

Mokgethi’s appointment comes after the former MEC for Health, Dr Bandile Masuku, was dismissed after the Special Investigating Unit’s damning report on the personal protective equipment tender irregularities that happened under his watch. Jacob Mamabolo became both MEC for Health and Transport before the appointment of Dr Mokgethi.

Former mayor appointed as MEC

Former Johannesburg Mayor and the Deputy Minister for Co-operative Governance (COGTA), Parks Tau, will take over from Morakane Mosupyoe as the new MEC for the Department of Economic Development.

According to Makhura, Tau is currently wrapping up his parliamentary work and will be sworn in as a member of the Gauteng legislature next week.

Makhura has described Tau as a seasoned administrator with substantial governance experience.

He also led the Finance and Economic Portfolio in the City of Johannesburg.

“His greatest strength includes the area of leading the portfolio of the economic environment. He was also responsible for development planning and environment, and transport in the City of Johannesburg,” Makhura said, adding that he also possesses vast global experience with working with international bodies and networks.

Makhura believes Tau will assist in attracting investors.

Meanwhile, Morokane Mosupyoe was announced as the new MEC for Social Development.

She is the former chairperson of Social Development Portfolio Committee in the legislature, and also served in the City of Tshwane as the Mayoral Committee Member responsible for health and social development.

“Her greatest strength is in the area of social development, working with communities; the excluded and marginalised, women and people with disabilities,” the Premier said, adding that she is good at mobilising people to fight against gender-based violence.

Makhura said the department is critical in dealing with urban poverty and hunger.

He believes that this reshuffle will reinforce Team Gauteng’s response to COVID-19.

This, he said, will help in rebuilding the economy, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic and responding to the pressures that the millions of citizens are facing especially, the unemployed.

“So, these three areas are critical and the rest of the executive will remain the same,” said Makhura.