EFF statement on the swearing in of EFF MMCs Mgcini Tshwaku and Ernie Makhafola in the City of Johannesburg
9 February 2023
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the swearing in of Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku and Fighter Ernie Makhafola as Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) in the City of Johannesburg Municipal Council. Dr. Tshwaku was today sworn in as the MMC of Safety and Security, while Fighter Ernie Makhafola was sworn in as the MMC of Health and Social Development.
This is a milestone for the EFF which was made the credible realisation that after 10 years of existence and selfless struggle for the emancipation of our people, we are now ready to govern. Our governance is characterised by the highest level of meritocracy, and this commitment is demonstrated by the calibre of those we have deployed as MMC's to the City of Johannesburg.
Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku has been a resident of the City of Johannesburg for almost 30 years of his life. His qualifications include a Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Physics and Applied Mathematics, a BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Chemical Engineering.
He has been an activist of the EFF since its inception occupying various roles. He was convenor of the EFF in Gauteng from 2013 to 2014. In this role he presided over the establishment of the organisation across all the wards and regions of Gauteng, readying the organising for its first ever elections and Provincial People's Assembly.
He also served as National Organiser from 2017 till 2019 when he assumed the role of head of elections. In this role he interacted with different public safety entities such as JMPD, Disaster Management and Emergency and began to appreciate compliance with safety regulations.
Dr. Mgcini formed part of the CCT team that went to revive the organisation in Limpopo in 2022 following the CCT decision to disband all structures, from branches to the province. He has been the most dependable, loyal and productive ground force in our revolution Dr. Mgcini not only represents the highest level of academic excellence, but has the necessary experience in matters relating to safety which will serve him well as an MMC Of Safety and Security. He will ensure that law enforcement agencies are incorruptible and do not abuse their power to extort the public.
Fighter Ernie Makhafola has been a resident of Johannesburg for over 12 years. As a nurse by profession, Fighter Makhafola holds a Diploma in Nursing and is currently pursuing a post graduate Diploma in TB/HIV Management at Stellenbosch University. Fighter Makhafola has been a member of the EFF since 2014, and is currently the Regional Treasurer of the EFF in the Johannesburg Region.
Fighter Makhafola the epitome of a people's health practitioner, who will ensure that the clinics in Johannesburg operate for 24 hours and that our people no longer suffer inhumanity at public health institutions.
The EFF is proud of its two MMC's and is confident that they will tum things around in their respective portfolios and in service of the people of Johannesburg. We mark this as one of the decisive steps towards an EFF government in 2024, where we will usher in a government of the people!
Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 9 February 2023
