Gauteng Premier David Makhura has appointed Ms Morakane Mosupye the new MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Environment.
Makhura made the announcement in a statement on Friday. He said the decision is “in keeping with the ANC’s commitment to ensure that women are well represented in executive structures.”
Mosupye is a former councillor and member of municipal council (MMC) in the City of Tshwane.
She also became the first female Speaker of the City of Tshwane in 2011, a position she held until 2016.
She is currently a member of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng.
‘New assignment’ for Ramokgopa
Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who occupied the position before Mosupye’s appointment, has resigned.
In a tweet, Makhura hinted that Ramokgopa will be appointed to a new position soon.
He wrote, “Wishing Dr Sputla Ramokgopa well in his new assignment which will be announced soon!”
The Premier was under pressure from the ANC’s top leadership to drop one male MEC.
This follows an earlier ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) decision to have 60-40% women representation in provincial cabinets where the Premier is male.
Dropped to be deputy minister?
There has been speculation that the dropped MEC could be appointed deputy minister of minerals and energy following the recent passing of Bavelile Hlongwa.
In a statement, Ramokgopa thanked ANC in Gauteng and Makhura for his deployment to the provincial legislature and subsequent appointment as MEC.
He expressed support for Mosupye, but made no mention of his possible appointment as a deputy minister.