Tasneem Motara Appointed Acting Premier of Gauteng

Tasneem Motara has been appointed Acting Premier of Gauteng from Monday, 9 June to Sunday, 15 June 2025. This temporary appointment follows Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s official working trip to China to finalise a landmark trade agreement with the province of Hunan.

Background and Appointment Details

Tasneem Motara currently serves as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Human Settlements in Gauteng. Premier Lesufi appointed her Acting Premier in Section 131(1)(a) and Section 13 of the South African Constitution, allowing for such temporary delegations when the Premier is unavailable.

During this period, Motara will assume all duties, authority, and obligations of the Premier’s office to ensure the smooth running of the provincial government.

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Motara’s Political Experience

Tasneem Motara has a well-established political career within Gauteng. She has been MEC for Human Settlements since July 2024 and previously served as MEC for Infrastructure Development and Property Management and MEC for Economic Development. She has been a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature since May 2019 and represented Gauteng in the National Council of Provinces from 2014 to 2019.

Her extensive experience in various executive roles positions her well to lead the province during this interim period.

Context of the Appointment

Premier Lesufi’s trip to China aims to finalise a trade deal with Hunan province, which will open new markets for Gauteng’s small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This initiative aligns with Gauteng’s strategy to address unemployment and support economic growth, as outlined in the Gauteng 13 priorities and South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030.

Lesufi’s spokesperson highlighted that this historic deal will grant Gauteng’s SMMEs access to a vast market of over 66 million people across 13 cities in Hunan, with minimal restrictions.

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Importance of Gauteng Governance

Motara’s appointment ensures continuity of leadership and governance in Gauteng during the Premier’s absence. She will oversee the implementation of provincial policies and programmes, manage the provincial cabinet, and represent Gauteng in intergovernmental relations.

This seamless transition is crucial for maintaining service delivery and advancing the province’s development agenda.

Acting Premier

Tasneem Motara’s appointment as Acting Premier reflects her capability and the trust placed in her by the Gauteng Executive Council. Her leadership during this period will be vital to sustaining government functionality and progressing key initiatives.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to follow official Gauteng government channels for further updates.