Ramokgopa removed from Gauteng cabinet, replaced by female MEC
He was removed to accommodate a 60% female cabinet quota.
In May 2019, a resolution was made that Gauteng Premier David Makhura would need to remove one male from his cabinet to comply with gender parities.
The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) made the decision that Makhura should comply with its policy. The NEC intended to have 60% female Members of the Executive Committee (MEC).
The premier’s cabinet had a 50/50 male and female representation. The African National Congress (ANC) revealed that an official decision would be made this week.
Ramokgopa reshuffled from cabinet
The premier was forced to reshuffle his cabinet to accommodate the new law. On 11 October 2019, Makhura revealed that the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Culture and Environment MEC, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, would no longer be part of his cabinet.
He announced that Morakane Mosupyoe would be replacing him. Mosupyoe served as the chairperson of the Social Development portfolio committee at the Gauteng legislature.
She’s also served as the MMC for Health and Social Development in Tshwane. In 2011, she became the first female speaker of the City of Tshwane until 2016.
Makhura wishes Ramokgopa well
Ms. Mosupyoe has served as the MMC for Health and Social Development In Tshwane. In 2011 she became the first female speaker of the City of Tshwane until 2016. I wish Dr. @Kgosientso_R well in his new role, which will be announced soon.
— David Makhura (@David_Makhura) October 11, 2019
In a tweet, Makhura revealed that he wished Ramokgopa well in his new role. The new position he’s set to hold will be announced.
The premier’s spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga said:
“The premier thanked Dr Ramokgopa for the sterling work he has done to make sure that the plans were solid because that was one of the reasons why he kind of delayed the issue to make sure that all the plans are solid so that the incoming MEC only has to implement.”
Vuyo Mhaga, Premier David Makhura’s spokesperson
Former Gauteng MEC shares his gratitude
Ramokgopa released a statement expressing his gratitude for the opportunity he was given to serve Gauteng’s residents. He also stated:
“I have no doubt that the 6th administration will take the Province forward by remaining focused on the task at hand of growing an inclusive and transformed economy that creates jobs for the unemployed.”
Kgosientso Ramokgopa, former Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Culture and Environment MEC
The MEC also shared a number of images on Twitter showing him bidding his former colleagues goodbye.
Who Ramokgopa’s contenders were
Ramokgopa lost out against Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku, Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, Human Settlements, Urban Planning and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Lebogang Maile, and Transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo.