Gauteng's new MECs announced

Friday, May 8, 2009

Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has announced her provincial cabinet.

At her swearing-in this week, the Premier hinted that most of the MECs from the previous legislature would still remain to serve during her term.

The premier also announced Friday a new Planning Commission to be headed by former MEC for Roads and Transport, Ignatius Jacobs.

He will also be a special advisor to Ms Mokonyane.

Former Community Safety MEC, Firoz Cachalia, has moved to the Economic Development portfolio. He has made major improvements in the department in his previous portfolio, including launching Operation Iron Fist which has seen great successes.

The new MEC for Community Safety is Khabisi Mosunkutu.

Barbara Creecy, will take over from Angie Motshekga as MEC for Education.

The Department of Health and the Department of Social Development have merged to become one department, and will be headed by former MEC for Local Government and Housing, Qedani Mahlangu.

Mandla Nkomfe stays on in finance, while Mr Jacobs will be replaced as MEC for Roads and Transport by Bheki Nkosi.

Nonhlanhla Mazibuko will be the new MEC for Infrastructure and Development.

MEC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture will be Nelisiwe Mbatha-Mthimkhulu. The Local Government Department was merged with the Housing Department and will be led by Kgaogelo Lekgoro.

The new council includes more women than the previous one, under Paul Mashatile.

Former Premier Mashatile was not given a post in the provincial legislature, and speculation is that he will take up a post in the national cabinet, which is to be announced on Sunday.