BREAKING: Gauteng Premier David Makhura officially RESIGNS

It is the end of an era in the Gauteng Provincial Government as David Makhura has resigned as the province’s premier, after eight years at the helm. In a lengthy statement, Makhura said he handed a letter to the Speaker of the legislature, Ntombi Mekgwe,in which he informs her of his decision to tender his resignation, effective from 6 October 2022. He is also resigning as a member of the legislature.

It was first reported earlier this year that Makhura would not be vying for another term as the ANC leader in Gauteng.

“In the Assembly of Cadres, I indicated my wish not to stand for the leadership position of the ANC in Gauteng. I had an honour to serve my movement the ANC as its leader in Gauteng for 22 years, first as the coordinator of the interim leadership core in May 2000; subsequently elected the Provincial Secretary from 2001 to 2014; Deputy Chairperson 2014 to 2018; and Chairperson 2018 to 2022,” Makhura said.

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WHAT’S NEXT FOR DAVID MAKHURA?

For now it isn’t clear what happens to David Makhura’s political career after leaving the ANC in Gauteng, but some have suggested he may be in line for a post in Cabinet.

Now his Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi is next to lead the province after he was elected ANC provincial chairperson during the 14th provincial elective conference, which sets him up to become the next premier. In September, the party’s special provincial executive committee (PEC) to discuss Makhura’s future.

The Sunday Times reported that the ANC in Gauteng’s PEC had decided to recall Makhura, but he has denied this.

“I am eight years into this job, and I will continue to do this work. But I am interested in ensuring that the provincial government will enter the next phase. As soon as they say they have completed that process, I will be ready to hand over to the next premier,” Makhura added.

“I was honoured to have been elected the 6th Premier of this beautiful province in May 2014 and re-elected in May 2019. I have served the people of Gauteng with humility, and outmost dedication and integrity through the 8 years of my tenure”

Gauteng Premier David Makhura