THE MEC for Education in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi will ascend to his position as new Premier of Gauteng (economical hub of the country), by virtue of him being chairperson of the ruling party in the province.
The likeable Lesufi, will be appointed by members of the provincial legislature on Thursday at a special sitting. Following that he will appoint his new provincial cabinet.
The former Swallows FC boss replaces the outgoing David Makhura, who has served his two-terms as Premier.
He should be ready to roll with the punches as this arduous task ahead of him, will be messy and ungrateful at times, a fact he’s aware of considering his seniority in the ANC.
In tendering his resignation, Makhura said: “I was honoured to have been elected the sixth premier of this beautiful province in May 2014 and re-elected in May 2019. I have served the people of Gauteng with humility‚ and outmost dedication and integrity through the 8 years of my tenure‚” he said.
“Consequently‚ I have held several engagements with the leadership of the ANC on the timing and details of the handover in order to ensure a smooth transition in the interest of our province and its people. The ANC has been seized with this matter over the past few weeks and has now completed its internal processes‚” Makhura said.
“Today‚ October 4‚ I have handed a letter to the speaker‚ honourable Ntombi Mekgwe‚ to tender my resignation from the position of the premier of Gauteng and a member of the Gauteng provincial legislature‚ effective from October 6.”
Makhura said he had served the ANC as a leader in Gauteng for 22 years‚ dating back to 2000 when he was appointed the coordinator of its then interim leadership structure.
He was subsequently elected the provincial secretary from 2001 to 2014; deputy chairperson 2014 to 2018; and chairperson 2018 to 2022.
Despite allegations of corruption that were levelled against him that did not stick, Makhura’s legacy will be remembered, as he stood firm against corruption and mismanagement, malfeasance and financial irregularities under his administration.
He also pointed out that he will not seek any high ranking position, provided he’s not appointed or headhunted.
‘I will now enjoy my sleep’, he was quoted, after being asked what’s next for him?
Image (Handing over the baton, Makhura to incoming new GP boss Lesufi).
