Heads Roll in Gauteng as Lesufi Reacts to R1.3 Billion Budget Failure

A Fresh Leadership Reset Aims to Fix What Premier Lesufi Calls a “Serious Underperformance” by Government Departments

In a bold move signalling zero tolerance for financial mismanagement, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has reshuffled several of the province’s top government officials. The catalyst? A staggering R1.3 billion in under-expenditure that highlights a deeper crisis in accountability and service delivery.

Budget Blunder Becomes Breaking Point

Earlier this year, Lesufi expressed outrage after Gauteng had to return R1.8 billion to the National Treasury due to unspent budgets. Despite some funds being reallocated, the final shortfall remained at R1.3 billion.

“Returning funds while people are in desperate need is indefensible,” Lesufi said in a Sunday press briefing. “We cannot afford this level of underperformance.”

But the issue wasn’t just financial. Several departments missed performance targets, had poor audit outcomes, and faced unresolved lifestyle audits. With these failures compounding, Lesufi’s leadership reshuffle became inevitable.

Key Changes in Leadership

From 1 August 2025, Gauteng’s administration enters a new phase. The premier confirmed several departmental head replacements and reassignments. Here’s the breakdown:

Permanent Appointments

• eGovernment: Masabata Mutlaneng (moved from Infrastructure Development)

• Infrastructure Development: Rufus Mmutlana (previously from Education)

• Economic Development: Motlatjo Moholwa, an experienced economist with a background in Joburg, Land Bank, and provincial governments

• Treasury, COGTA, Human Settlements, Agriculture and Rural Development: Current heads retained

• Transport: Post remains vacant, with recruitment underway

Acting Appointments (Pending Recruitment)

• Environment: Matthew Sathekge

• Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mpho Nawa

• Social Development: Phumla Sekhonyane

• Education: Albert Chaane

• Community Safety and Health: Appointments still pending

Lesufi called this a full reset, stating, “With the challenges we face, especially in service delivery, we cannot afford departments missing their targets.”

Accountability or Crisis Management?

The reshuffle follows recommendations from the Gauteng Ethics and Advisory Council (GEAC), which flagged incomplete lifestyle audits and administrative failures. Lesufi promised transparency, saying investigation reports would be made public once personal details were redacted.

He also stressed the importance of whistleblower protection, calling them “key to justice and accountability.”

Public reaction has been mixed. Some residents expressed cautious optimism, hoping for better services, while others questioned why action took so long.

What’s Next for Gauteng?

Lesufi’s overhaul sends a clear message: leadership must align with financial and service delivery mandates. The new appointees now face the real test: turning promises into tangible improvements.

Whether this reshuffle restores public trust remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Gauteng’s leaders have no room for excuses.

Also read: Siviwe Gwarube Urges Bold Reforms to Fix SA’s Broken Education System

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: News24