Good morning ladies and gentlemen.
As you know the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party in our province and South Africa, can make a determination to change the provincial cabinet and deploy its members where the need has been identified.
After consultations with the provincial leadership, I applied my mind as the Premier of Gauteng and decided to make changes to the provincial Executive Council (EXCO).
I share the sentiment that while change can be seen as a negative thing by some, often change allows us to re-invigorate ourselves and re-look at the way we have been doing our work, especially in areas where we are lagging and where we need to consolidate our success.
This EXCO re-organisation is meant to infuse our province with the requisite energy, leadership skills and experience required to ensure that we make real the promises made to the people of Gauteng when we took office.
We promised that we will get this province to work faster and better. I believe this re-arrangement of our EXCO provides a perfect opportunity to make this undertaking a reality and also to close the wedge that has existed before between the Executive Council of the Gauteng Provincial government and the Executive Council of the province. These men and women are very skilled and bring a wealth of experience to the Gauteng cabinet.
The new MECs come in at a time when the province has undergone organisational renewal and implemented the reconfiguration process; including setting up new departments, merging and splitting others. In addition, we have completed the review of agencies. We have also finalised the appointment of all head of departments (HODs).
The new team comes in when we have just renewed the cabinet system, making Members of Executive Council the engine of government. Their responsibility is to ensure delivery in line with the following priorities based on the ANC manifesto.
Our key priority areas have not changed:
- quality basic education
- a long and healthy life for all South Africans
- all people in South Africa are and feel safe
- decent employment through inclusive economic growth
- vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities, contributing towards food security for all
- sustainable human settlement and improved quality of household life
- responsive, accountable, efficient and effective local government system
- an efficient, effective and development oriented public service
- an empowered, fair and inclusive citizenship.
It is important that we have a representative team and ensure that there is stability while making these adjustments. We must also take into account the need for a generational mix of the old and new.
In order to ensure that government is able to deliver on its mandate; we have established a Planning Commission that is located in the Office of Premier. This is already helping us with long-term planning, resource allocation in line with the ANC Manifesto, efficient synchronisation and, most importantly, the strengthening of the monitoring and evaluation process in Government.
So ladies and gentlemen, the new Team Gauteng is comprised of the following:
1. MEC for Finance: Mr Mandla Nkomfe
2. MEC for Economic Development: Ms Qedani Mahlangu
3. MEC for Education: Ms Barbara Creecy
4. MEC for Health and Social Development: Ms Ntombi Mekgwe
5. MEC for Community Safety: Ms Nonhlanhla Mazibuko
6. MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development: Ms Nandi Mayathula-Khoza
7. MEC for Infrastructure Development: Mr Bheki Nkosi
8. MEC for Roads and Transport: Mr Ishmael Vadi
9. MEC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture: Mr Lebogang Maile
10. MEC for Local Government and Housing: Mr Humphrey Mmemezi
Political Advisor to the Premier and liaison between GPG, ANC and its alliance partners and the constituency:
- Mr Kgaogelo Lekgoro, Head of Planning Commission
- Mr Firoz Cachalia, Head of the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA)
- Mr Ignatius Jacobs
The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) has relocated back to the Office of the Premier.
Mr Khabisi Mosunkutu and Ms Neliswe Moerane will be rejoining the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. I will also be responsible for the Department of Roads and Transport until the new MEC is sworn-in.
To the new MECs: Congratulations on your appointment and I am convinced that collectively we can do more in realizing the vision of building a better life for the people of Gauteng.
Lastly, a very big thank you to the outgoing MECs. We believe that you will continue to serve the people of South Africa, especially Gauteng, with the same dedication you have displayed during your tenure as members of the Gauteng Executive Council.
Ngiyabonga.
