Tasneem Motara Steps In as Gauteng’s Acting Premier While Lesufi Seals Trade Deal in China

From MEC to Acting Premier: A Week in Charge of South Africa’s Economic Heartland

Gauteng, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, is under new leadership this week temporarily, at least. Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara has been appointed acting premier from 9 to 15 June 2025, stepping in for Premier Panyaza Lesufi as he travels to China to finalise a game-changing trade deal.

This isn’t just a routine appointment. It’s a moment that highlights the growing trust placed in women leaders across the province, and underscores Gauteng’s drive to link local development with global opportunity.

Why Is Lesufi in China?

Premier Lesufi’s weeklong trip to China isn’t a diplomatic gesture, it’s about business, jobs, and the future of Gauteng’s economy. According to his spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla, Lesufi is in the Hunan province, finalising a “landmark agreement” that promises to open Chinese markets to local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).

Hunan, home to over 66 million people across 13 cities, offers vast market potential. With minimal trade restrictions in place, this partnership could be a breakthrough for Gauteng-based entrepreneurs struggling with domestic constraints and limited export opportunities.

The visit is the fulfilment of a promise made during Lesufi’s 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA) an address that painted a sobering yet determined picture of a province fighting back against persistent socio-economic challenges.

Motara: Steering the Ship at a Critical Time

Tasneem Motara’s appointment is legally grounded in the South African Constitution and reflects her trusted position within the provincial leadership. Though her term is brief, the role comes at a time when Gauteng’s political machinery must continue running smoothly especially with key issues such as unemployment, infrastructure collapse, and public safety still unresolved.

While Motara’s political portfolio has focused on human settlements, her temporary promotion marks her as one of the province’s rising political figures. Social media users and political analysts alike have noted the symbolic significance of her stepping up especially in a political climate where capable female leadership is often underrepresented at executive level.

The Bigger Picture: Fixing Gauteng, One Priority at a Time

Earlier this year, Lesufi presented a no-nonsense SOPA that laid bare Gauteng’s 13 biggest challenges, from water shortages and failing infrastructure to unemployment and gender-based violence. His five-year Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) aims to tackle these head-on, through a mix of inclusive growth, ethical governance, and real service delivery.

The Gauteng-Hunan deal is part of that broader strategy, a regional solution with global reach. By empowering local businesses to tap into international markets, the province hopes to chip away at a persistently high unemployment rate and spark a new era of economic inclusion.

Public Reactions: Hope, Skepticism, and a Dash of Cynicism

On X (formerly Twitter), the news of Motara’s acting appointment sparked a mix of optimism and caution.

“Great to see a capable woman leading, even if just for a week. Hope she leaves her mark,” tweeted @UrbanEyesZA.

“This China trip better deliver real jobs. Not just handshakes and photo ops,” wrote @MzansiWatcher.

Others pointed out that while trade deals sound promising, the average Gautenger is more concerned about potholes, power cuts, and safety on their daily commute.

What Happens Next?

Motara will oversee government operations for the week, with eyes on ensuring service delivery doesn’t stall in the premier’s absence. Meanwhile, Lesufi’s success in China could set the tone for how Gauteng uses foreign partnerships to accelerate local transformation.

If the deal delivers and if SMMEs see real, tangible benefits, it could be a blueprint for other provinces seeking to punch above their economic weight on the world stage.

For now, it’s business unusual in Gauteng, a moment of change, challenge, and cautious hope.

{Source: The Citizen}

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