Mmemezi was replaced by former health MEC Ntombi Mekgwe, whose portfolio has been taken by Hope Papo.
Member of the Gauteng legislature, Nkosipendule Kolisile, has been appointed the MEC for economic development. He replaces Qedani Mahlangu, who now heads the infrastructure development department.
Mokonyane also removed infrastructure development MEC Bheki Nkosi, who will now head the Gauteng Gambling Board.
Announcing her reshuffled cabinet, Mokonyane yesterday described Mmemezi as “one of the visible MECs who was always out there working with communities”.
Mmemezi has been accused of abusing a government-issued credit card and of damaging a state vehicle. He remains a member of the Gauteng legislature.
He was also accused of setting up a trade union shop steward to be fired when he was employed as a human resources official in the Mogale City Municipality before being appointed as MEC in 2010. The matter is under investigation.
Announcing his resignation last Wednesday, Mmemezi pleaded his innocence, arguing that some of the allegations against him were “patently false” and aimed at tarnishing his reputation and that of the ANC.
“Some of the expenditure items published as costs incurred by me are also false. All the allegations about my work in Mogale City are also blatantly untrue. Quite clearly, I intend to take legal steps on malicious untruths that have been published in the media,” he said.
The provincial legislature’s privileges and ethics standing committee last week also found Mmemezi guilty of irregular and negligent use of his official vehicle and credit card.
The committee said Mmemezi’s behaviour was “unbecoming” of an MEC.
Mmemezi is ANC Gauteng’s deputy secretary.
Mokonyane said Mmemezi would retain his seat in the provincial legislature.
