Gauteng Province – A political snapshot

Provincial legislature

Each of South Africa’s nine provinces is served by a provincial legislature
The provincial legislature elects the province’s Premier and ten Members of the Executive Council (MECs)
Provincial legislatures create their own laws, taking into cognizance the unique nature of each province
The Constitution informs the running and governance of all provinces
The legislature is an institution entrusted to ensure that government delivers services effectively and responds to the priorities of the people of the province who voted it into power. It is responsible for passing laws, calling on the Premier, the Executive Council and all provincial government departments to be accountable.

Gauteng Province. Photo courtesy conference-facilities.co.za

The Gauteng Province Legislature is made up of 30 to 80 members who sit at the Johannesburg City Hall
Those serving the legislature are called Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL)
The Provincial Parliament is referred to as ‘The House’ and comprises members drawn from South Africa’s various political parties. A democratic election process informs the percentage of party representation
The term ‘the house is sitting’ describes periods when MPLs are engaging in discussion and debate to pass laws that affect Gauteng
MPLs are divided into 14 committees representative of all political parties so that bias is minimised
These committees gather regularly to discuss Bills. They liaise with Provincial Government Departments in terms of groundwork
Members of the public are encouraged to enter into discussion with the committee and raise concerns that will influence law creation
By the time the Bill goes before “The House” parties have already decided whether they will support it or not
At the sitting each member gives an opinion on the Bill, which is passed by majority vote during tabling. Debates are open to the public who may view the proceedings but are not given an opportunity to express their views
The institution of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature is housed at the Johannesburg City Hall, on the corner of Loveday Street and President Street in central Johannesburg.

Premier: Ms Nomvula Paula Mokonyane

MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development: Ms Nandi Mayathula-Khoza

MEC for Community Safety: Ms Nonhlanhla Mazibuko

MEC for Economic Development and Planning: Ms Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu

MEC for Education: Ms Barbara Creecy

MEC for Finance: Mr Mandla Nkomfe

MEC for Health and Social Development: Ms Ntombi Mekgwe

MEC for Local Government and Housing: Mr Humphrey Memezi

MEC for Infrastructure Development: Mr Bheki Simon Nkosi

MEC for Roads and Public Transport: Mr Ismail Vadi

MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mr Lebogang Maile.

Gauteng is divided into three metropolitan municipalities: City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni
Each falls under the leadership of a mayor elected by the Gauteng provincial executive committee
Kgosientso Sputla Ramokgopa is Mayor of Tshwane
Mondli Gungubele is Mayor of Ekurhuleni
Amos Masondo is Mayor of Johannesburg
Each metropolitan municipality manages its own local governance via branches and departments that see to service delivery.