Gauteng: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a reshuffle of Heads of Departments (HODs) across provincial government departments. The announcement was made during a media briefing led by the Premier on Sunday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the move follows Lesufi’s warning in June that disciplinary action would be taken against HODs who failed lifestyle audits. On July 17, 2025, during his Budget Vote Speech at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Lesufi shared plans to reset the Gauteng Provincial Administration based on recommendations from the Gauteng Ethics and Advisory Council. This decision was prompted by issues such as under expenditure, underperformance by departments, lifestyle audits, and failures to meet performance targets.
The changes to the Heads of Departments took effect from August 1. Masabata Mutlaneng has been appointed to the Department of eGovernment, Rufus Mmutlana to the Department of Infrastructure Development, while Ncumisa Mnyani retains her position in Treasury. Darion Barclay and Thulani Mdadane are retained in COGTA and Transport, respectively, with Mdadane’s post set to be advertised. Puleng Gadebe-Mabaso and Khululekile Mase retain their positions in Human Settlements and Agriculture and Rural Development, respectively.
In some departments, Lesufi has appointed Acting HODs with recruitment processes for permanent appointments underway. These include Matthew Sathekge for Environment, Mpho Nawa for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Phumla Sekhonyane for Social Development, Albert Chaane for Education, with Community Safety and Health positions pending.
Lesufi also announced the appointment of Mr. Motlatjo Moholwa as the new HOD for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. Moholwa is noted for his extensive experience in public service, having served as the Head of Economic Research and Chief Economist in the City of Johannesburg, Lead Economist for the Land Bank, and Deputy Director General in the Mpumalanga and Gauteng Departments of Economic Development. Lesufi expressed confidence in Moholwa’s ability to diligently contribute to the goal of growing the Gauteng economy.