The Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), Hon Lentheng Mekgwe takes pleasure in welcoming the newly appointed Executive and Senior Management Team to the Legislature. The appointments were made by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature after a comprehensive recruitment process.

The appointments followed a long, extensive and comprehensive recruitment process. The process was inspired by a desire to streamline GPL’s operations to better serve and respond to the needs of the People of Gauteng. The People of Gauteng are key stakeholder to the attainment of the Institutional set goals and objectives. Secondary to these factors, the appointment of the Executive and Senior Management Team is anticipated to be highly instrumental in fully supporting the functions that are performed by the Members of the Provincial Legislature, as democratically elected representatives.

All Presiding Officers of GPL, led by Speaker, Hon. Ntombi Mekgwe, reminded the Team about the centrality of the People in the work of the Legislature. Speaker re-emphasised that the constitutional mandates of the Legislature – to oversee the work of the Provincial Executive (Premier and Members of the Executive (MECs), making provincial laws, including approving the budget of the Province, facilitating the involvement of the People in decisions affecting their lives, and working with other similar institutions to improve the quality of life of the People of Gauteng remains central to all plans and the work to be performed by both the Administration and elected public representatives, Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs).

“It is with absolute delight, that I welcome the new Senior Management Executives to the GPL, and I am confident that the new appointees will bring exceptional proficiency in their respective roles and responsibilities, in providing support to the elected Members of the legislature (MPLs). Their rich experience in the administration field, will assist the institution in fulfilling its constitutional mandate”, said Madam Speaker, Hon. Ntombi Mekgwe.

She added that, the recruitment process was extensive, and the contestation was steep with several candidates to consider. However, the collective experience, qualifications, skills knowledge and attitude that is brought about by these appointees was best suited to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The Executive and Senior Management Team has a collective experience of over 120 years, spanning across all spheres of government, Legislative Sector and the private sector. Their details and portfolios are outlined below:
• Mr Peter Skosana, re-appointed as Secretary to the Legislature and Accounting Officer of the Institution;
• Mr Linda Mwale, appointed as Executive Director: Leadership and Governance in the Office of the Speaker;
• Mr Thamsanqa Makamba, re-appointed as Executive Director: Core Business;
• Ms Mihloti Masuluke, appointed as Executive Director: Corporate Support Services;
• Mr Ismail Rawat, re-appointed as Chief Financial Officer;
• Ms Mmatshepo Rasebopye, appointed as Director for Supply Chain Management;
• Ms Azwianewi Madzhie, re-appointed as Director for Finance; and
• Mr Khaled Khota, re-appointed as Director: Oversight and Strategic Liaison.

Reflecting on his appointment to lead Administration at the Legislature and the appointments of those who may have been in the institution and those who were joining the Legislature for the first time, Secretary to the Legislature Mr Peter Skosana reiterated that every Senior Leader at the Legislature must continually demonstrate their fitness to hold office.

He emphasized the two areas as a footprint – inspiring confidence among Members and staff of the Legislature and supporting Members’ ability to fulfil their constitutional obligations to the People of Gauteng and other key stakeholders. Mr Skosana also pointed out there is a need for urgency by repositioning GPL to be Purpose and People Driven by focusing on improved and timeous execution and results, removing barriers to effective and efficient support to MPLs, giving voice and improving engagement of all GPL Staff, communication and feedbacks on matters raised by Staff. He urged all Executives and Senior Management Teams to lead by example in driving change and repositioning of GPL.

The Senior Management recruitment process is in motion to fill other critical positions that are currently vacant and the reskilling of existing employees to address capacity challenges in the Institution.

“Senior Management is committed to removing barriers for effective operation of the organization in fulfilling its lawmaking, oversight on the Provincial Executive and encouraging public participation in the legislative process”, said Mr Skosana.

The incoming team appreciated the warm welcome and committed themselves into living up to the expectations by the Political Leadership of the institution.

In closing, the Speaker expressed confidence in the new appointments with full reference to dedication, skills, extensive experience in Executive and Senior Leadership and managerial roles in both, the public service and the corporate environment.
End!

Mr Linda Mweli (ED Leadership and Governance), Mr Khaled Khota (Director Oversight and Strategic Liaison), Mr Thamsanqa Makamba (ED Core Business), Ms Ntombi Mekgwe (Speaker), Ms Azwianewi Madzhie (Director Finance), Mr Peter Skosana (Secretary), Ms Mihloti Masuluke (ED CSS), Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane (Chairperson of Committees), Ms Matshepo Rasebopye (Director SCM), Mr Ismail Rawat (CFO)