| Mashatile is new Gauteng premier |
|
|
|
| Written by Emily Visser | |
| Tuesday, 07 October 2008 | |
|
Paul Mashatile, the new Gauteng premier, has kept the Legislature intact, keeping on the old hands appointed by his predecessor. 
Paul Mashatile takes the oath of office before deputy Judge President, Phineas Mojapelo
A STALWART from Alexandra and the longest serving member of the Gauteng Legislature is the new leader of the country's economic powerhouse. Paul Mashatile, previously the MEC for finance, was officially sworn in as Gauteng premier on 7 October at the Gauteng Legislature in President Street following the resignation of Mbhazima Shilowa on 29 September. The new premier has promised not to fail the people of the province. "I am fully aware that the government derives its mandate from the people. I remain committed to this people's contract," he said in his acceptance speech. His appointment has been greeted with mixed feelings. Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo was delighted. "It is an excellent appointment. He is someone who has risen from the ranks." 
New Gauteng Premier, Paul Mashatile addresses the media
Masondo and Mashatile have known each other since their youth, working together in the United Democratic Front and other structures. He added that the new premier had what it took to grow the economy of the province. "He understands the issues; he can relate to the complex issues of urbanisation, migration and growing the economy." Democratic Alliance provincial leader John Moodey, however, said his party was far from satisfied with the appointment, citing the "cloud hanging over him [Mashatile]". The DA would have liked to have seen a very different candidate appointed, he said, naming Firoz Cachalia, the MEC for community safety, and even the newly appointed MEC for finance, Mandla Nkomfe, as the best people for the premier's position. "People of integrity and above suspicion", he added. Mashatile is accused, among other things, of misappropriating funds in the Gauteng provincial account. 
Executive mayor, Amos Masondo welcomed Paul Mashatile as 'an excellent appointment' to be the premier of the province
One of his first activities in office will be a visit with his team to communities, starting with Orange Farm. His aim during a very short term of office would be to further accelerate service delivery, he promised, tackle crime and continue to grow the province's economy, which is now at 5,1 percent of the national average. His term will run until April 2009, when national elections again take place. Mashatile has opted to leave the executive council for the Gauteng Legislature intact, sticking to the old hands first appointed by Shilowa. There is only one change as a result of his post as MEC for finance becoming vacant. In his place, Mashatile appointed Nkomfe, who was previously the Chief Whip of the ANC in Gauteng. Lindiwe Maseko takes over from Nkomfe as the new Chief Whip. Related stories: |
