New Gauteng Cabinet: Premier must fire his advisers

Newly elected Gauteng Premier David Makhura should fire his advisers following the announcement of his cabinet appointments today. 

The cabinet is a mixed bag of inexperienced, unsuitable a individuals and a misfit of experienced ones. 

The choice of totally inexperienced members like Jacob Mamabolo, SACP Provincial Secretary, as MEC for Human Settlements is questionable. This is a priority portfolio in need of an experienced individual to address the pressing housing needs of Gauteng. 

Panyaza Lesufi has a bureaucratic background and served as Acting Director General of the Department of Basic Education after Soobrayan's ousting. Prior to April he was Angie Motshekga's spokesperson. This hardly qualifies him to replace Barbara Creecy who was a sterling MEC and worked hard to succeed in this portfolio.

It seems Premier Makhura has appointed Barbara Creecy, his strongest member, as Finance MEC and left the rest to chance.

The exclusion of Hope Papo from the Cabinet is lamentable and a real regression. As Health MEC this talented and hardworking Member truly made a difference in his department. He accomplished much in the short period that he occupied that position. His replacement by Qedani Mahlangu who has a bad record is a disappointment.

Lebogang Maile's appointment as Economic Development MEC is particularly questionable. He did not perform well as Sports, Arts and Culture MEC. 

Gauteng needs to improve its economy to create sustainable real jobs. Maile is not the person to do so.

The appointment of Molebatse Bobape as an MEC comes as a surprise. It is clear that the ANC is caught in a web of quotas and as a result of the appointment of seven male Premiers and only one female, have to meet the compromised position of appointing females in 60% of cabinet positions. It is hard to believe that Faith Mazibuko has missed the chop, she adds no value to any cabinet.

Nandi Mayathula-Khoza's should be able to cope in her new position as MEC for Infrastructure Development. 

The only appropriate appointment I believe is that of Sizakele Nkosi-Malebane as MEC for Safety. As the Chairperson of the Community Safety Portfolio Committee in the previous term, she raised the bar and was very innovative.

With this mixed bag of MEC's, Premier Makhura will be hard pressed to deliver on the ANC's manifesto promises. He has two years in which to make a positive impact and regain the confidence of an impatient electorate. If he fails to do so, the ANC stands to lose much in the 2016 local government elections. 

The strong, talented and experienced team of DA Members in the Legislature, will hold the new government to account and position ourselves as an alternative government.

Statement issued by John Moodey MPL, DA Gauteng Provincial Legislature caucus leader, May 24 2014

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