Gauteng DA welcomes new premier

"Gauteng holds a great many challenges which face the new premier, and the DA looks forward to his plan of action," Moodey said in a statement.

 

"While these challenges are great, the opportunities in Gauteng are even greater, and the premier must ensure that his government delivers."

 

Makhura had to concentrate on creating at least 2.3 million jobs in the province, providing security to its citizens, delivering housing, solving the healthcare

crisis, and ensuring world-class education for its youth.

 

Previous provincial governments had made promises but fell short.

 

"While David Makhura might have years of party leadership experience, he will need to overcome his lack of practical government experience," said

Moodey.

 

"I hope that this administration will be a breath of fresh air, and provide the people of Gauteng with the government that they deserve."

 

Makhura, who is the African National Congress's Gauteng secretary, replaced Nomvula Mokonyane as premier.

 

Makhura and co-operative governance MEC Ntombi Mekgwe reportedly vied for the premier's job. In the end Makhura was appointed and Mekgwe was appointed provincial speaker.

 

Makhura was sworn in at the provincial legislature in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

 

The Congress of SA Trade Unions in the province and Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans' Association (MKMVA) have welcomed his appointment.

 

"We believe that comrade David Makhura will lead the province to face the current difficulties facing the people of Gauteng," Cosatu said in a statement.

 

"We also know that such a difficult task does not rest with him as an individual, but it will require the collective efforts of all the motive forces in the revolution, including the people of Gauteng as a whole."

 

MKMVA in Gauteng said it would work with Makhura and help him unite and strengthen the ANC, the tripartite alliance, the leagues, and the mass democratic movement.

 

- Sapa