In an unexpected turn of events, the Deputy Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature, Refiloe Ntsekhe, has announced her resignation. This development follows the recent appointment of the new Executive Council by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Refiloe Ntsekhe was elected as Deputy Speaker just last month. However, her decision to step down comes less than a day after Premier Lesufi unveiled his new cabinet.
The newly formed Executive Council comprises seven members from the African National Congress (ANC) and three members from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and Rise Mzansi.
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Notably, the Democratic Alliance (DA) decided not to participate in the provincial government of unity following unsuccessful negotiations with the ANC.
Gauteng DA Leader Solly Msimanga confirmed Ntsekhe’s resignation, stating that her position as Deputy Speaker was not aligned with the party’s vision. “She will be resigning because her being in that position is not serving what we actually envisioned.
We were looking at playing a meaningful role in the executive with a number of positions and also in the legislature where her position would have complemented that of the chair of chairs plus other oversight committee chairpersons,” Msimanga explained.
The DA will now focus on taking its seat as the official opposition in the Gauteng Legislature. Msimanga announced that the party will soon reveal its shadow cabinet and outline how its portfolio members will ensure accountability within the executive.
“We will work very hard to also lobby other political parties that are in opposition to support us,” he added.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA have criticized Premier Lesufi’s new cabinet, labelling it as a recycling of ANC members. This criticism underscores the challenges and political dynamics in Gauteng’s provincial government.
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