Former mayor appointed new Gauteng Economic Development MEC

Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, today announced the appointment of Mxolisi Eric Xayiya as the province's new Economic Development MEC.

This follows weeks of mourning the passing of the late MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng, Nkosiphendule Kolisile.

The new MEC has experience both as a politician and public servant in the Gauteng province.

He was mayor of Boksburg for five years as of 1995 and later worked for various departments within the Gauteng Provincial Government.

Xayiya then joined the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in 2009 where he occupied several positions, including the Chairman of the Road and Transport Sub-Committee and a member of the Oversight Committee on the Office of the Premier in the Legislature (OCPOL).

Outside of his official duties, Xayiya is a committed community activist who readily provides social support to HIV and Aids Projects and Matric Education Projects.

 "Love all humanity and wake up every morning and thank God that you are alive," is the motto that Xayiya lives by.

The MEC has also occupied the position of Co-Chairperson of the Aids Consortium.

The appointment comes into effect immediately and the 49-year old is expected to continue on the departed MEC's innovative measures which aimed ensure that the provincial economy is inclusive and benefits informal traders, youth, small businesses and co-operatives.

"May I, therefore, on behalf of the Gauteng Executive Council and the citizens of this smart province, congratulate and welcome MEC Xayiya aboard and wish him success in executing his obligations to serving the province," Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane said.

Statement issued by Gauteng Premier's spokesperson Thebe Mohatle, August 13 2013

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