LESUFI'S DESPERATE MOVE: EFF GETS GAUTENG FINANCE PORTFOLIO

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the motivations behind the move. Lebogang Maile, previously Finance MEC, has been shifted to Education, replacing Matome Chiloane, who is now without a position.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has made a shocking move, appointing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial leader Nkululeko Dunga as Finance MEC, in a bid to save his fragile coalition government.

The appointment has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the motivations behind the move.

"The possible instability was going to be the hallmark of this administration," Lesufi said, explaining the decision. "Last week, the adoption of the adjustment budget was delayed by a week due to disagreements with political parties within the legislature."

The EFF has been threatening to withdraw its support for the ANC in municipalities, and Lesufi's move is seen as a desperate attempt to keep the coalition intact.

The party had previously blocked key motions in the Gauteng legislature, which could have had dire consequences for service delivery in the province.

"We're not throwing him in a lion's den," Lesufi said of Dunga's appointment. "It's a space that he has been in, and it's an area that we believe that the Economic Freedom Fighters can assist us to run that portfolio."

Nkululeko Dunga is the new Finance MEC, Bonginkosi Dlamini from the IFP takes on E-Government, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela from the ANC is responsible for Transport, Roads and Logistics, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa from Rise Mzansi will head Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Faith Mazibuko from the ANC takes charge of Health and Wellness, Tasneem Motara from the ANC will lead Human Settlements, Ewan Botha from the Patriotic Alliance is assigned Environment, Jacob Mamabolo from the ANC will oversee Infrastructure Development, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will head Social Development.

Lebogang Maile, previously Finance MEC, has been shifted to Education, replacing Matome Chiloane, who is now without a position.

"I must be honest, I am hurt with MEC Chiloane," Lesufi said. "He's done nothing wrong. Unfortunately, in politics, we have to go through this phase, especially when you don't have numbers."

The EFF has hailed Dunga's appointment as a "progressive step" towards strengthening governance in the province. "It further confirms the EFF's participation in the Government of Provincial Unity, in line with our long-standing organisational principle that we will form part of government at both provincial and national levels, provided that our key principles are upheld," said EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Tambo.

The ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team has welcomed Lesufi's decision, saying it will help stabilize the province. "We continue to work with the EFF and other political parties in coalition governments in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Mogale City and West Rand District Municipality," said Mzi Khumalo, ANC Gauteng spokesperson.

The move comes as Lesufi's government faces numerous challenges, including service delivery protests and allegations of corruption. The province's fragile coalition has been under pressure, with the EFF and uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party threatening to withdraw their support.

Lesufi's decision has sparked debate, with many questioning the wisdom of handing over the Finance portfolio to the EFF. "This is a desperate move by a premier who is struggling to keep his coalition intact," said a political analyst. "It's a recipe for disaster, and the people of Gauteng will suffer the consequences."

As the province navigates this uncertain period, one thing is clear: Lesufi's government is under pressure, and the stakes are high.

Lebogang Maile, previously Finance MEC, has been shifted to Education, replacing Matome Chiloane, who is now without a position.