He replaces Nkosiphendule Kholisile, who tragically was recently killed in a car accident, along with his driver and bodyguard.
Gauteng law-maker Xayiya would take office immediately, Mokonyane said.
He was previously chair of the Road and Transport sub-committee in the Gauteng legislature and is currently a member of the Oversight Committee on the Office of the Premier in the Legislature (OCPOL).
The African National Congress in Gauteng welcomed his appointment.
IFP Caucus Leader in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Bonginkosi Dhlamini said:”We welcome the newly sworn MEC with the hope that he will be able to carry on from where the late MEC Nkonsiphendule Kolisile left off.”
The Democratic Alliance described the appointment as a puzzling choice, as “he has no economic background.
The tall Xayiya was previously with the Department of Sport under the leadership of ex- MEC Mondli Ngungubele.
