Lesufi faces backlash for not sacking Rise Mzansi MEC

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is facing backlash from his ANC comrades following his provincial cabinet reshuffle this week.

Sunday World understands that proposals were put to Lesufi to remove Rise Mzansi MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa to make way for EFF provincial chairperson Nkululeko Dunga.

Instead, Lesufi announced on Wednesday night that he had removed ANC member Matome Chiloane as MEC of education.

That was not the only significant change, according to leaders within the ANC’s provincial task team and provincial working committee (PWC).

Also drawing attention within party structures was the reassignment of health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to social development. Nkomo-Ralehoko swapped positions with Faith Mazibuko, who is now the health MEC.

Some ANC leaders said the outcome differed from internal proposals discussed ahead of the reshuffle.

“The premier did meet with the PWC for consultation and was accordingly advised to remove Vuyiswa (Ramokgopa) of Rise Mzansi because the inclusion of the EFF means we do not need Rise Mzansi,” said an ANC high-ranking leader close to Lesufi.

“We were all shocked to see him sending Matome (Chiloane) packing. That is a blunder on so many levels, especially heading to the elections.

“How do you remove a person who is going to assist with the tough task of the election campaign that lies ahead? What about the political office staff who worked under Matome, who are also ANC cadres?

According to more well-placed sources, the PWC met on Monday and discussed proposals that Ramokgopa be removed from the executive, arguing that the inclusion of the EFF’s Dunga already secures a governing majority in the province.

But Lesufi ultimately retained Ramokgopa in the executive. “It was a straightforward decision to remove Ramokgopa and stabilise the arrangement with the EFF,” said a PWC insider.

The developments have raised concerns among some party members about internal alignment in Gauteng, with differing views emerging on how best to structure the provincial executive.

Lesufi’s reassignment of Nkomo-Ralehoko has also attracted commentary within party structures.

Nkomo-Ralehoko is considered to have a strong support base in the province and is expected to contest leadership positions at the ANC’s next provincial conference.

Her move to social development, according to some insiders, could have implications for internal party dynamics ahead of that process.

Mazibuko is understood to be aligned with Lesufi in the lead-up to the provincial conference, where internal contests are anticipated.

Those familiar with party dynamics say the implications of the reshuffle could extend beyond Gauteng, with national leaders such as Gwede Mantashe and Fikile Mbalula said to be monitoring developments.

ANC Gauteng PTT spokesperson Mzi Khumalo said the party won’t divulge the nature of its internal discussions.

“We can’t report our internal discussions and organisational processes to the media. But in the final analysis the decision that prevailed over the provincial cabinet reshuffle was warmly welcomed by the ANC in Gauteng,” said Khumalo.