Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced a reconfiguration of the provincial Executive Council on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, bringing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) into the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) for the first time.
Speaking during a media briefing, Premier Lesufi confirmed the changes, which include the appointment of EFF Gauteng Provincial Chairperson Nkululeko Dunga as the new Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Finance and Economic Development.
Dunga replaces ANC’s Lebogang Maile, who has been moved to the Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation portfolio.
According to Lesufi, the reshuffle was approved by the national leadership of the ANC and follows the formation of the GPU after the 2024 elections, which initially included the ANC, Patriotic Alliance (PA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Rise Mzansi. He noted concerns about legislative instability, including a delayed adoption of the Adjustment Budget due to disagreements among parties in the legislature.
The reconfiguration aims to strengthen the Executive Council and improve stability and service delivery. The new Executive Council composition, as confirmed in official announcements, includes:
- e-Government: Mr. Bonginkosi Dlamini (IFP)
- Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mr. Lebogang Maile (ANC)
- Transport, Roads and Logistics: Ms. Kedibone Diale-Tlabela (ANC)
- Economic Development and Agriculture and Rural Development: Ms. Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (Rise Mzansi)
- Finance: Mr. Nkululeko Dunga (EFF)
- Health and Wellness: Ms. Faith Mazibuko (ANC)
- Human Settlements: Ms. Tasneem Motara (ANC)
- Environment: Mr. Ewan Botha (Patriotic Alliance)
- Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Mr. Jacob Mamabolo (ANC)
- Department of Social Development: Ms. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko (ANC)
The ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) welcomed the decision. The PTT described the reconfiguration as “a necessary and responsive step to ensure that government remains effective, focused, and capable of meeting the expectations of the people of Gauteng.”
It emphasised that the changes come after the successful passing of the 2025/2026 Adjustment Budget and will help accelerate service delivery priorities amid challenges such as unemployment, crime, infrastructure failure and socio economic pressures.