South Africa - Johannesburg - 01 April 2026 - Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced the latest changes to his provincial cabinet, with the inclusion of EFF provincial chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, who was unveiled as the new MEC for finance and economic development.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
ANC in Gauteng has tightened its grip on power after bringing the EFF into government while negotiations continue to pull the MK Party (MKP) into the executive council.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Wednesday announced a reconfigured executive, confirming the EFF’s entry into the ANC-led administration in a move aimed at ending months of instability under minority rule.
EFF Gauteng leader Nkululeko Dunga has been appointed Finance MEC. This means the party will direct influence over the province’s budget and spending priorities.
The former Ekurhuleni Finance MMC (Dunga) joined the party’s caucus in the legislature this week.
The EFF has welcomed the appointment, saying this a progressive step towards strengthening governance in the province and ensuring stability within the administration.
The shift follows a political deadlock that exposed the ANC’s vulnerability in the legislature.
Since 2024, the party has failed to command a majority, leaving it dependent on opposition support to pass key legislation.
That arrangement broke down after EFF leader Julius Malema refused to back the province’s adjustment budget, effectively forcing the ANC to negotiate from a position of weakness.
Lesufi said expanding the executive was a strategic move to secure governance. “We need stability in the legislature and certainty in decision-making,” he said.
At the same time, the ANC is pushing to broaden its coalition further. “Talks with the MKP are ongoing, with multiple options on the table,” Lesufi added.
“We will continue to engage everyone… They may join the executive, the legislature, or other state structures. Discussions are active and ongoing,” Lesufi said.
Engagements with the Democratic Alliance (DA) have not yielded an agreement. This is despite the DA saying they will never join the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) as the EFF and MKP are on board.
With the EFF now inside government, attention has shifted to whether the MKP will follow.
Meanwhile, Rise Mzansi said it was ready to work Gauteng’s economic reset after its National Chairperson Vuyiswa Ramokgopa was appointed as the MEC for Economic Development.
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