Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the DA was offered exact three MEC posts like they wanted.
According to a recent report by IOL, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has stated that the door is not closed on the ANC’s negotiations with the DA. He has also opened up about wanting to build an inclusive government of provincial unity.
The publication also reported that the premier unveiled his provincial executive of largely made up of ANC Members of Executive Council (MECs). They were also joined by three executives representing the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and Rise Mzansi.
The report further states that the National chairperson of Rise Mzansi, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa was appointed by Lesufi as MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development; the IFP’s Bonginkosi Ndlovu was appointed as MEC for e-Government; and the Patriotic Alliance’s Sheila Mary Peters was appointed MEC for Environment.
Panyaza Lesufi spoke about his relationship with Msimanga, saying,
“The good thing is I have a good relationship with Solly, we meet. I can call him after this (interview), go and have some coffee or tea, so we will continue to do that. It is very important.“
“It is not for political interest, but it is for the citizens of this country. We are very committed to ensure that we bring them on. We will not get tired (in trying) to bring them on board. It is unfortunate, the statements that are being attached, that we wanted to take everything, we didn’t.”
He also told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.
“We responded to a document that they said they want three MECs, we have given them three MECs. We responded to a document where they wanted deputy speaker, we have given them deputy speaker. They wanted to chair six committees, we are ready even today to give them six committees.”
According to him, the main reason Gauteng has seven ANC MECs is because the other parties chose not to enter the provincial executive.
“The political parties that signed up for the government of provincial unity, it is three. Not because we are selfish, we want seven MECs. If they were four, we would give them the four positions. Actually, the Freedom Front Plus signed but they said we don’t have a team or person that is capable to be an MEC, we would prefer to have two committees that we chair – we are going to give them the two committees.”
“It is not that we wanted everything for ourselves. We understand we didn’t win the elections. We understand we are the party that was preferred by more people in Gauteng, but we need to bring everyone, be inclusive and deal with this.”
