Gauteng set to have a new govt as legislature holds first sitting

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Alpha Ramushwana

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng is set to have a new government as political parties are gearing up to elect new leaders on Friday.

The provincial legislature is holding its first sitting, where a premier and Speaker are set to be elected.

Gauteng is among three provinces where the African National Congress (ANC) lost its electoral majority following the recent general elections.

Gauteng's seventh administration will comprise several political parties that have agreed to form a provincial government of unity.

The ANC has put up its chairperson in the province, Panyaza Lesufi, as its premier candidate, who is likely to retain his position in Gauteng's top office.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which has refused to form part of the unity government, says it will remain in the coalition benches, citing its refusal to join forces with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF+).

This is not the first time that the executive committee in the province will be occupied by politicians other than those of the ANC.

In 1994, Gauteng's first cabinet comprised of two members of the National Party, due to the constitutional requirement at the time to form a unity government.