The Economic Freedom Fighters have secured a key position in Gauteng’s provincial government, with party member Nkululeko Dunga appointed as Member of the Executive Council for Finance.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced the appointment, which gives the EFF oversight of South Africa’s wealthiest province. Gauteng contributes approximately 35% of the nation’s GDP.

The move confirms the EFF’s participation in the Government of Provincial Unity. Dunga previously served as EFF Caucus Leader in the City of Ekurhuleni Council, where he held positions as chair of the Municipal Public Accounts oversight committee and MMC for Finance.

Lebogang Maile was moved from Finance to Education in the cabinet reshuffle. Other changes included Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko shifting from Health to Social Development, whilst Faith Mazibuko made the opposite move. Rise Mzansi’s Vuyiswa Ramokgopa received the portfolio for Economic Development, in addition to her role in Agriculture and Rural Development.

The EFF welcomed Dunga’s appointment, stating it marks a progressive step towards strengthening governance in the province and ensuring stability within the administration.

The party said the move aligns with its principle to join coalitions as long as its key principles are upheld, including seven non-negotiable cardinal pillars and the clear exclusion of parties it considers racist, namely the DA and VF Plus.

The EFF expressed confidence in Dunga’s leadership capabilities, discipline, and ability to work within a collective whilst advancing party interests.

However, both the DA and VF Plus condemned the decision.

The DA accused Lesufi of prioritising his own interests over those of Gauteng residents, suggesting the appointment aims to secure an alliance ahead of local government elections later this year.

“This decision by Premier Lesufi will not benefit the residents of Gauteng. It will draw the EFF into the executive, giving him an alliance ahead of the local government elections later this year,” the DA said.

The party claimed Lesufi’s actions demonstrate his opposition to the ANC’s national leadership and the Government of National Unity, which includes both the DA and VF Plus.

“Premier Lesufi should focus on ensuring that all his departments are delivering basic services to our residents and should not, on a whim, decide to change his executive to give one political party its way,” the DA stated.

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The VF Plus raised concerns about Dunga’s track record, pointing to his dismissal as MMC for Finance in Ekurhuleni in 2024 due to alleged poor performance and contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act.

The Metro failed to submit its 2023 audited financial statements under Dunga’s oversight, resulting in credit rating agency Moody’s downgrading the Metro to junk status.

“It is ironic that whilst the ANC in Ekurhuleni showed Dunga the door, Lesufi saw it fit to appoint him to this critical position. The province is at risk of following in Ekurhuleni’s footsteps,” the VF Plus said.

The party warned that despite the appointment giving the Government of Provincial Unity a majority of over 50%, it will bring greater instability to the government and the province.

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