Lesufi Reshapes Gauteng Cabinet as EFF Joins the Executive and Key Positions Are Reorganised

iReport South Africa | 03.04.2026 16:52

Panyaza Lesufi has announced a major reshuffle of his Gauteng provincial cabinet, bringing new political dynamics and making significant changes to key government departments. One of the most notable developments is the formal inclusion of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Gauteng executive, marking a strategic move towards greater cooperation between political parties in the province.

As part of the reshuffle, Nkululeko Dunga has been appointed as the new MEC for Finance, a critical role that will influence the province’s economic policies and financial management. This appointment signals a shift in the leadership structure and suggests a focus on economic issues that matter to residents.

In addition, Lebogang Maile has been moved to oversee the Education portfolio. Given the importance of education in shaping Gauteng’s future, his new role indicates an emphasis on tackling ongoing challenges such as improving infrastructure, boosting student performance, and expanding access to quality education.

The reshuffle also involved the removal of Matome Chiloane from the cabinet, highlighting the broad scope of Lesufi’s changes. Such adjustments often reflect shifting political priorities, performance evaluations, and new alliances, signaling a desire to strengthen governance and responsiveness.

The inclusion of the EFF in the provincial cabinet is expected to attract significant attention, as it changes the political landscape within Gauteng’s government. This move could influence policy directions, especially related to economic management, service delivery, and social development initiatives.

Lesufi’s decision to restructure the cabinet comes at a time when provinces face mounting pressure to deliver results, improve governance, and address public concerns. By bringing in fresh perspectives and realigning responsibilities, the Premier aims to create a more effective and responsive administration.

Political analysts will be watching closely to see how these changes impact governance and service delivery in Gauteng. The success of the new cabinet will largely depend on how well the team collaborates and whether they can deliver tangible improvements for residents.

As the new cabinet begins to implement its agenda, the key focus remains on translating these structural changes into better outcomes for the people of Gauteng.