Gauteng gets stand-in Premier as Lesufi takes sick leave

Lesufi

Johannesburg – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has appointed Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Lebogang Maile as Acting Premier while he takes sick leave.

The Gauteng Provincial Government said Maile’s appointment took effect on Thursday, 3 September 2026, and will run until Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

In a statement on Thursday, the provincial government said the appointment was made in accordance with Section 131(1)(a) and Section 13 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

“Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi has appointed MEC for Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile to serve as Acting Premier of the Gauteng Province from Thursday, 3 September to Tuesday, 8 September 2026,” the statement said.

During Lesufi’s absence, Maile will assume the responsibilities of the provincial executive.

“During this period, Acting Premier Lebogang Maile will assume all the duties, authority and obligations of the Office of the Premier to ensure the continued and smooth running of the Gauteng Provincial Government,” the statement said.

The provincial government said the temporary arrangement would give Lesufi an opportunity to recover while ensuring that the administration continues to function without interruption.

“The appointment will allow Premier Lesufi who is currently on sick leave, to recover fully,” it said.

The announcement comes less than a month after another Gauteng MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, served as Acting Premier while Lesufi was on sick leave.

Maile is a longstanding member of the Gauteng executive and has held several MEC portfolios over the years. He currently oversees the province’s education, sports, arts, culture and recreation portfolios.

He will return to his MEC responsibilities once Lesufi resumes his duties on 8 September, subject to the Premier’s return from sick leave.

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