The premier of KwaZulu-Natal has re-appointed ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma to the position of the leader of government business – with a stern warning that he is not a deputy premier.
The announcement was made at the Public Works offices in Mayville, Durban on Wednesday afternoon after a two-day provincial cabinet lekgotla.
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli said that the decision was taken because of Duma’s experience in this position.
“I have decided to re-appoint MEC Siboniso Duma to the position of the leader of government business. His role will be based on connecting the provincial government with businesses and state entities. Duma has been in this position even in the previous administration.
“But he is not a deputy premier; he is a leader of government business,” said Ntuli.
Duma also emphasised that as he took over this position, he is not the deputy premier.
It is an unusual appointment. Usually the business leader is the MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs. However Duma is the MEC for transport and human settlements.
Both Ntuli and Duma have announced their plans to meet with taxi operators in the province to address their grievances over route permits, which have caused havoc between the taxi industry and road traffic inspectorate.
Ntuli also said there were plans to deal with the issue of a construction mafia in the province that has disrupted many government projects, especially in Durban townships.
The lekgotla resolved that all municipalities will be assisted to get clean audits.
Pictured above: Government spokesperson Bongi Gwala, Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, Premier Thami Ntuli and Economic Development MEC Reverend Musa Zondi.
Source: Celani Sikhakhane
