The Congress of South African Trade Unions in Gauteng welcomes the reshuffling of the Members of the Executive Committee in Gauteng. It has been our view since the corruption around the PPE’s was exposed in June that Premier David Makhura should reshuffle his executive committee. This we said because of the weaknesses in a number of portfolios.

We think that the appointment of Parks Tau will provide necessary stability and fresh economic ideas which will respond to the economic stagnation in Gauteng that resulted to the province shedding almost 600 000 jobs in six months. It is our view that the department responsible for the economy in the province needs a versatile leader, who has a thorough understanding of the basics of the economy.

As we welcome the appointment of Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi as the MEC of Health, we are mindful that she will not be a panacea to all problems and challenges in the Department of Health ,which includes but not limited to the poor state of financial and human resource management, institutionalized corruption, clinical services, maladministration and poor handling of labour relations.

The repositioning of the Department of Health in Gauteng requires a two prong strategy, focusing on strengthening political administration through the MEC ,and general administration through the introduction of a solid management team that will stand firm against political interference ,and is  capable of fixing all challenges in that department.

Whilst COSATU welcomes the reshuffle, we will continue to monitor the implementation of strategies to fix the economy and health system in Gauteng without fear or favour. We will make the Premier and his executive to account every six months on the implementation of the manifesto of the ANC and make sure that basic services are accessed by all citizens in Gauteng.

Issued by COSATU

Provincial Chairperson: Amos Monyela – 079 493 5002Provincial Secretary: Louisa Modikwe – 066 182 2402