By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has appointed former Finance MEC Lebogang Maile as the new MEC for Education, replacing Matome Chiloane, in a cabinet reshuffle that brings the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) into the provincial executive.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Lesufi confirmed that EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga will take over the Finance portfolio, saying the move, approved by ANC national leadership, was aimed at stabilising governance and unlocking service delivery.
“It was within this context that the national leadership of the ruling party gave us the go-ahead to engage with other political parties… so that we can stabilise numbers and ensure that we’ve got a reliable government in our province,” Lesufi said.
The reshuffle follows mounting instability in Gauteng’s Government of Provincial Unity, where disputes among coalition partners recently delayed the adoption of an adjustment budget.
Lesufi said the EFF had agreed to join the executive after negotiations, while talks with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) are continuing.
“Both the Economic Freedom Fighters as well as uMkhonto weSizwe Party agreed to cooperate with us… the discussion with the Economic Freedom Fighters was concluded and they’ve accepted our offer to bring them into the executive,” he said.
Addressing Chiloane’s removal, Lesufi said the decision was not performance-related.
“I must be honest, I’m hurt with MEC Chiloane. He’s done nothing wrong… it has been a difficult decision,” he said, adding that alternative responsibilities would be considered for him.
Lesufi acknowledged that political considerations influenced the reshuffle.
“The problem with appointments… is that it’s a very difficult situation,” he said.
Defending Dunga’s appointment, Lesufi said it reflected respect for coalition partners.
“We don’t want to invite somebody to be part of the government and undermine their role… MEC Dunga was an MMC of finance in Ekurhuleni, so we’re not throwing him in a lion’s den,” he said.
Dunga’s return follows his removal as Ekurhuleni finance MMC amid disputes with the ANC-led administration.
Lesufi also outlined progress on service delivery, particularly water supply stabilisation.
“Almost 90% of our province has access to water now,” he said, citing infrastructure upgrades, leak repairs and improved coordination, alongside long-term planning linked to Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
He stressed that the ANC would maintain existing partnerships despite bringing in the EFF.
“We respect partnership… we don’t dump you,” he said.
Lesufi added that engagement with multiple parties would continue, with talks with the MKP still underway.
Beyond politics, he highlighted priorities including economic growth, crime reduction and social support, noting a food distribution programme reaching over 400,000 residents and the deployment of SANDF troops to crime hotspots.
“As you all know, Gauteng remains the epicentre of crime, but since the deployment of soldiers, we’ve seen a drastic shift,” he said.
Newly appointed MECs are expected to be sworn in on Thursday.
