Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has appointed Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial chairperson Nkululeko Dunga as the new Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Finance and Economic Development.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, as part of a limited cabinet reshuffle. Dunga replaces ANC’s Lebogang Maile, who has been redeployed to the Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation portfolio.
Premier Lesufi confirmed the changes during a media briefing. The move forms part of efforts to strengthen the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) following the 2024 elections. The national leadership of the ANC approved the reconfiguration to enhance stability in the provincial executive.
Dunga, who previously served as MMC for Finance in the City of Ekurhuleni, becomes the first EFF member to hold a position in the Gauteng provincial executive. In Ekurhuleni, he held roles including EFF Caucus Leader and chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).
The EFF has welcomed Dunga’ appointment as “a progressive step towards strengthening governance in the province and ensuring stability within the administration.”
It added that the appointment aligns with the EFF’s principle of participating in government while upholding its 7 Non Negotiable Cardinal Pillars and excluding parties such as the DA and VF Plus from governance arrangements.
The EFF expressed confidence in Dunga’s capabilities, stating that he will advance a people-centred fiscal agenda focused on service delivery, economic justice, equality, transparency and accountable management of public resources.
The Party highlighted his past achievements in Ekurhuleni, including revenue recovery initiatives, improvements in municipal cash reserves, amendments to the Indigent Policy, and efforts to reduce irregular expenditure.
The ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) also welcomed the reshuffle. It described the changes 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 noted that the reconfiguration follows the successful passing of the 2025/2026 Adjustment Budget and aims to accelerate service delivery amid challenges such as unemployment, crime and infrastructure issues.
The full updated Executive Council, includes:
- e-Government: Bonginkosi Dlamini (IFP)
- Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Lebogang Maile (ANC)
- Transport, Roads and Logistics: Kedibone Diale-Tlabela (ANC)
- Economic Development and Agriculture and Rural Development: Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (Rise Mzansi)
- Finance: Nkululeko Dunga (EFF)
- Health and Wellness: Faith Mazibuko (ANC)
- Human Settlements: Tasneem Motara (ANC)
- Environment: Ewan Botha (Patriotic Alliance)
- Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Jacob Mamabolo (ANC)
- Department of Social Development: Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko (ANC)
The Finance portfolio oversees one of South Africa’s largest provincial budgets, managing economic development initiatives, revenue collection and funding for key services including health, education and infrastructure in a province that contributes substantially to national GDP.