Gauteng will deliver: Shilowa
Richard Mantu and Matome Sebelebele
4 May 2004
Re-elected Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa has assured the province's citizens that his second term will be results-based, promising not to disappoint those that have shown trust in his leadership.
Speaking at the Gauteng legislature in Johannesburg after being re-elected as premier last week, Shilowa said his Cabinet would continue to tackle the challenges facing the province, such as HIV/Aids, unemployment and poverty.
"I wish to make it clear that it cannot be business as usual", Shilowa said. "The people expect us to radically improve their situation without fail. There is no room for complacency."
Shilowa was re-elected for a second term after his party, the African National Congress (ANC), scooped 51 seats in the 73-seat legislature, followed by the Democratic Alliance with 15 seats.
Other parties represented in the legislature include the Inkatha Freedom Party with two seats, while the United Democratic Movement, Freedom Front
Plus, African Christian Democratic Party, Independent Democrats and Pan Africanist Congress have a seat each.
Richard Mdakane was elected Speaker of the provincial legislature, while former Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs MEC Mary Metcalfe was elected Deputy Speaker.
After his inauguration as premier last week, Shilowa named his provincial cabinet for the next five years. The new Gauteng administration comprises a 50/50 split between women and men. The MECs (Members of the Executive Council) are as follows:
Agriculture, conservation and the environment: Khabisi Mosonkutu
Community safety: Firoz Cachalia
Education: Angelina Motshekga
Finance and economic affairs: Paul Mashatile
Health: Gwen Ramakgopa
Housing: Nomvula Mokonyane
Local government: Dorothy Mahlangu
Public transport, roads and works: Ignatius Jacobs
Social development: Bob Mabaso
Sport, arts,
culture and recreation: Barbara Creecy
Speaking after his inauguration, Shilowa expressed confidence in the ability of the new executive "to deliver on the key challenges that we have outlined - putting the poor at the centre of service delivery and ensuring that the creation of work opportunities and the eradication of poverty is at the centre of all government work".
With the public's expectation of a better life rapidly growing, Shilowa also promised to crack the whip on corrupt elements within his administration. "We will vigorously fight corruption, neglect and theft of public assets and ensure that those responsible are brought to book", he said.
Shilowa's reappointment to as premier is seen as evidence of President Thabo Mbeki's confidence in the former trade unionist.
Apart from boasting the country's top businesses and academia, Gauteng accounts for about 40% of the country's gross domestic product, by far the largest contribution by any
province.
Source: BuaNews
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