Gauteng Premier Lesufi frustrated by legislation preventing him from removing underperforming HODs
On Sunday, Lesufi announced that he had reshuffled the heads of departments in the provincial government.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during a post-budget vote media briefing on 17 July 2025. Picture: @GautengProvince/X
JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said he was frustrated by legislation that prevented him from removing underperforming heads of departments (HODs).
On Sunday, Lesufi announced that he had reshuffled the HODs in the provincial government.
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He said the move followed the underspending of R1.3 billion of the previous financial year’s budget, the missing of performance targets, and adverse audit outcomes.
About five years ago, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP) Makoti Khawula criticised the African National Congress (ANC)’s strategy of moving compromised people from one portfolio to another.
This is essentially what Lesufi did by moving underperforming HODs from one portfolio to another.
However, Lesufi said the reshuffle should not be downplayed, as it’s the first time ever that action has been taken against underperforming HODs.
"I wish it was like politicians. You can say that you are reshuffled and go home, but those that are in administration, there are processes, and we don’t want to lose money or cases on the basis of recklessness."
As a result of the reshuffle, there are now vacancies in six departments, which Lesufi said would be filled by capable HODs.