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We assess the performance of government on an ongoing basis and we have now come to the determination that we need to make a few changes in the Executive Council to strengthen the capacity of government to implement the programme for the implementation of the Transformation, Modernisation, and Re - industrialisation of Gauteng.

I have specifically looked at three areas where I need to strengthen the implementation capacity of the Executive Council:

Mrs Nandi Mayathula-Khoza will now become the MEC for Social Development. The importance of this portfolio in driving  accelerated social transformation, ending urban poverty and building an inclusive, cohesive Gauteng cannot be over emphasised. Mrs Nandi Mayathula-Khoza is not new to this portfolio as she was also responsible for Social Development during her term as MEC for Agriculture Enviroment and Rural Development . During her tenure, she introduced important programmes such as the Bana Pele programme, programmes focused on senior citizens as well township based cooperatives.

MrJacob Mamabolo will now move to the Department of Infrastructure Development.Mr Jacob Mamabolo has got extensive public service and leadership experience accumulated over many years in the public service. Having been part of the Home Affairs Turn-Around Strategy, which is recognised as one of the best practice models in the public sector, as well as Head of Change Management supporting the Turn-Around Strategy at the National Department of Public Works, he brings a wealth of experience in understanding and managing systems. The Department of Infrastructure Development deals mostly with Social Infrastructure projects and systems management is vital for this portfolio.

The portfolio of Human Settlements, Cooperative Government, and Traditional Affairs will be led by Mr Paul Mashatile, whom I intend to appoint as MEC once he has been sworn in as a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.  Mr Mashatile has has vast experience in government. He previously held several portfolios – Gauteng Premier, Safety and Security, Transport, Housing, Finance and Economic Affairs, Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture and and Minister of Arts and Culture. With his wealth of experience in government he will bring more impetus in the implementation of new mega human settlements and in building greater co-operation between the provincial and local spheres of government.

Over the next two days, Mr Mashatile will resign as a member of the National Parliament to take up a position in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. He will resume his duties once he sworn in as a Member of the Provincial Legislature and a  Member of the Executive Council.

We will also be meeting in the next week on 07-09th February 2016 as the newly constituted Executive Council to assess the implementation of our programme for radical Transformation, Modernisation and Re-industrialisation of Gauteng in preparation for the State of the Province Address. We will also spend some time during the Executive Council Lekgotla to reflect on the economy and to discuss ways in which we can turn around the economy in Gauteng. Recently I met with various experts during our Economic Development Workshop where we discussed ways of revitalising the economy. The inputs received during this workshop will certainly be considered as we discuss interventions needed to grow the economy. 

Issued by the Gauteng Provincial Government