Lesufi reshuffles cabinet as Maile moves to Education, EFF takes Finance

By Johnathan Paoli

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has appointed former Finance MEC Lebogang Maile as the new MEC for Education, replacing Matome Chiloane, in a cabinet reshuffle that brings the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) into the provincial executive.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Lesufi confirmed that EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga will take over the Finance portfolio, saying the move, approved by ANC national leadership, was aimed at stabilising governance and unlocking service delivery.

“It was within this context that the national leadership of the ruling party gave us the go-ahead to engage with other political parties… so that we can stabilise numbers and ensure that we’ve got a reliable government in our province,” Lesufi said.

The reshuffle follows mounting instability in Gauteng’s Government of Provincial Unity, where disputes among coalition partners recently delayed the adoption of an adjustment budget.

Lesufi said the EFF had agreed to join