Lesufi reinstated as Education MEC
JOHANNESBURG – Lesufi has previously worked as a special advisor to the Minister of Basic Education.
Photo: Lungile Dube
Premier David Makhura has succumbed to a public outcry and reinstated MEC Panyaza Lesufi to the Department of Education three days after he had allocated him to another post.
Makhura had announced that Lesufi would take over as MEC for Finance and e-Governance in the new administration on 29 May. However, he made a u-turn on 31 May when he announced that Lesufi had been reinstated as MEC for Education and Youth Development.
Makhura said there was an appreciation of the appointment of Lesufi to the Finance and e-Government portfolio.
However, the overall non-partisan feedback from the public and the education sector was that it would serve Gauteng better if he remained in the education portfolio to continue the good work of ensuring that the province was the leader and pioneer of educational transformation.
Lesufi is no stranger to the department and has previously worked as a special advisor to the minister of basic education. His leadership as MEC was grounded on the ideals of transformation and renewal. He introduced the Classrooms of the Future project when he first took over office in 2014. The project saw schools especially, from disadvantaged areas, receive e-learning and information and communications technology solutions. These included tablets for learners, interactive boards, classroom servers and laptops for teachers.
In 2016, Lesufi in conjunction with the Information Technology Association of South Africa, rolled out of the R7-billion Schools of Specialisation programme and last year he announced a partnership with the private sector to launch two schools in the province that would specialise in nuclear energy education.
Meanwhile, the former MEC for Economic Development Lebogang Maile replaces Uhuru Moiloa as the new MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Long-term serving member of the Gauteng legislature, Thuliswa Nkabinde-Khawe replaces Nandi Mayathula-Khoza as the new MEC for Social Development.
Jacob Mamabolo takes over the Department of Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure, replacing Ismael Vadi.
Former ANC member of parliament Tasneem Motara has been appointed as MEC for Infrastructure Development and Property Management while Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa takes over as MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Environment.
Former student activist Mbali Hlophe has been appointed as the new MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Dr Bandile Masuku takes over as MEC for Health.
