Premier shuffles Gauteng Cabinet

2010-11-02 14:22

Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane axed two MECs in a Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday and created a planning commission to be headed by the now former economic development MEC Firoz Cachalia.

Community Safety MEC Khabisi Mosunkutu was axed from the executive committee and replaced by Nonhlanhla Mazibuko.

Sport MEC Nelisiwe Moerane was also given the boot and replaced by Lebogang Maile, the ANC Youth League in Gauteng's chairperson.

"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," she told reporters in Johannesburg.

"In order to ensure that government is able to deliver on its mandate, we have established a planning commission that is located in the offices of the premier."

Cachalia will head the planning commission, while former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu will take over the economic development portfolio.

The new health MEC is Ntombi Mekgwe, a former mayor of Ekurhuleni.

Local Government and Housing MEC Kgaogelo Lekgoro was appointed as a political advisor. His MEC position will be filled by Humphrey Mmemezi, the deputy secretary of the ANC in Gauteng.

Barbara Creecy remains the education MEC, Mandla Nkomfe remains the finance MEC, and Nandi Mayathula-Khoza remains the agriculture and rural development MEC.

Bheki Nkosi, formerly the MEC for roads and transport, is the new MEC for infrastructure development.

Ismail Vadi, chairperson of the portfolio committee of communication in Parliament, takes over as roads and transport MEC.

- SAPA