By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The EFF on Thursday expressed confidence that its provincial chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, will advance a people-centred fiscal agenda following his appointment as Gauteng MEC for Finance.
The party said Dunga is expected to prioritise service delivery, economic justice and equality, while ensuring transparent and accountable management of public resources in the interests of the most marginalised.
The appointment was announced by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi as part of a cabinet reshuffle that also saw former Finance MEC Lebogang Maile moved to the Education portfolio, replacing Matome Chiloane.
Lesufi said the reshuffle, approved by ANC national leadership, is aimed at stabilising governance and accelerating service delivery in the province.
The EFF described Dunga’s appointment as “a progressive step towards strengthening governance and ensuring stability within the administration”.
“The EFF’s participation in the Government of Provincial Unity is in line with our long-standing organisational principle that we will form part of government at both provincial and national levels, provided our key principles are upheld,” the party said.
Dunga previously served as an EFF caucus leader in the City of Ekurhuleni Council, chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), and MMC for Finance—roles the party said he executed “with excellence and in the interests of the people”.
However, he was removed from his position as MMC for Finance in 2024 by Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, who cited “unforeseen misalignments”.
Dunga was accused of failing to submit the city’s 2022/23 annual financial statements within the legislated deadline, in breach of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
He has denied the allegations, maintaining that the statements were submitted in August last year and that the Auditor-General of South Africa was required to issue an audit report within three months of receipt.
Despite his removal, the EFF reaffirmed its confidence in Dunga’s leadership, discipline and ability to operate within a collective while advancing the party’s political programme.
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